SOW Caisson Wagon v26 Feb.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

Old Guard Military Mounted Battalion

Caisson Wagon 26 February 2026

PART 1

GENERAL INFORMATION

1.0 Background: The U.S. Army The Old Guard (TOG) Military Mounted Battalion (MMB) conducts memorial affairs support of all Joint Services in Arlington National Cemetery to honor our Nation’s fallen service members and their families. On order, the MMB provides assets in support of State Funeral missions and key strategic engagement ceremonies in and beyond the National Capitol Region. Caisson wagons are required for the MMB Soldiers to complete military funerals, fulfilling their daily mission.

1.1 Objectives: Provide one wagon to the MMB that meets all specified objectives and tasks outlined in this statements of work

1.2 Scope: The contractor shall provide MMB Caisson wagon. Scope includes the production and delivery of the wagon to 230 Caisson Circle, Joint Base Myer – Henderson Hall (JBM-HH), VA 22211. The wagon must meet all Minimum Essential Characteristics (MECs) of the Caisson wagon currently used in ceremonial mission in Arlington National Cemetery and those outlined in this SOW. Outward appearance substitutions are not authorized without government consult and approval. MECs for each uniform article shall be met.

1.3 Period of Performance: Delivery of wagon to JBM-HH no later than 1 May 2026.

1.4 General Information

1.4.1 Federal Government Holidays:

New Year’s Day 1st day of January Martin Luther King Jr. Day 3rd Monday of January Presidents Day 3rd Monday of February Memorial Day Last Monday of May Juneteenth Day 19th day of June Independence Day 4th day of July Labor Day 1st Monday of September Columbus Day 2nd Monday of October Veterans Day 11th day of November Thanksgiving Day 4th Thursday of November Christmas Day 25th day of December

1.4.2 Hours of Operation: The contractor is responsible for conducting business, between the hours of 9:00am – 5:00pm, Monday through Friday except federal holidays or when the government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar government directed facility closings.

1.4.3 Place of Performance: All work shall be conducted at vendor facility. Vendor is responsible for delivery of supplies to Joint Base Myer- Henderson Hall.

1.4.4 Type of Contract: The government will award a Firm-Fixed Price contract.

1.4.5 Physical Security: The contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all government equipment, information and property provided for contractor use.

1.4.6 Visit Notification. Site visits to inspect previous models of the Caisson Wagon are authorized. Contractor shall notify the government no later than 7 days prior to requested visit.

1.5 Special Qualifications

1.5.1 Manufacturing Experience: Wagon manufacturer shall have five years documented experience working with and building horse drawn wagons and be familiar with specific horse health and wellness requirements when hitched to a wagon.

1.5.2 Base Access: The Contractor shall secure base access for any driver making delivery through the Visitor Gates at JBMHH, prior to the date of delivery.

1.5.3 Contractor Travel: Transportation/Delivery to JBMHH shall be included in the firm fixed price of the Caisson wagon. There is no anticipated travel beyond JBMHH.

1.5.4 Other Direct Costs: All costs associated with the production, delivery, and defect correction shall be included in the awarded price of the contract.

1.5.5 Organizational Conflict of Interest:

a. Purpose. The primary purpose of this clause is to aid in ensuring that:

(1) The Contractor does not obtain an unfair competitive advantage by establishing the ground rules for a future competition;

(2) The Contractor's objectivity and judgment are not biased because of its present or future interests (financial, contractual, organizational, or otherwise) which relate to work performed under this contract; and

(3) The Contractor does not obtain an unfair competitive advantage by virtue of its access to non-public or proprietary information belonging to others.

b. Definitions.

(1) The term “Contractor” herein used means: (a) the organization (hereinafter referred to as "it" or "its") entering into this agreement with the Government; (b) all business organizations with which it may merge, join or affiliate now or in the future and in any manner whatsoever, or which hold or may obtain, by purchase or otherwise, direct or indirect control of it; (c) its parent organization if any and any of its present or future subsidiaries, associates, affiliates, or holding companies, and; (d) any organization or enterprise over which it has direct or indirect control now or in the future.

(2) The term "proprietary information" for purposes of this clause means any information considered so valuable by its owners that it is held secret by them and their licensees.

Information furnished voluntarily by the owner without limitations on its use, or which is available without restrictions from other sources, is not considered proprietary.

c. Organizational Conflicts of Interest Examples. The following examples illustrate situations in which organizational conflicts of interest may arise. These examples are not all inclusive.

(1) Biased Ground Rules. This type of conflict may arise in situations where a company sets the ground rules for a future competition. For example, when a Contractor develops requirements then competes to provide products or services to satisfy those requirements, thus obtaining a competitive advantage.

(2) Impaired Objectivity. This type of conflict may exist where a Contractor’s obligations under a contract require objectivity, but another role of the Contractor casts doubt on its ability to be truly objective. An example of this type of conflict is where a Contractor’s work under one contract entails evaluating itself, its affiliates, or its competitors under a separate contract.

(3) Unequal Access to Information. This type of conflict may arise when a Contractor has access to nonpublic or proprietary information as part of its performance under a contract that gives it an unfair advantage in a competition for a later contract.

d. General Constraints. The provisions of FAR Subpart 9.5, Organizational and Consultant Conflicts of Interest, concerning organizational conflicts of interest govern this contract.

Potential conflicts may exist in accordance with FAR 9.505-1.

4, Obtaining Access to Proprietary Information. In this regard, the Contractor is responsible for identifying any actual or potential organizational conflicts of interest to the Contracting Officer that arise as the result of performance under this contract. To avoid or mitigate a potential conflict related to performance under this contract, the Contracting Officer will impose appropriate constraints such as the constraints discussed below. Since it is impossible to foresee all of the circumstances that might give rise to organizational conflicts of interest, the constraints discussed below are not all inclusive and the Contracting Officer may impose constraints other than, or in addition to, the constraints listed below.

(1) The Contractor agrees that if it provides, under a contract or task order or delivery order, systems engineering and technical guidance for systems and programs, but does not have overall contractual responsibility, it will not be allowed to be awarded a contract or task or delivery order to supply the system or any of its major components or be a Subcontractor or consultant to a supplier of the system or any of its major components

(2) The Contractor agrees that if it prepares complete specifications for non-developmental items or assists in the preparation of work statements for a system or services under a contract or task order or delivery order, it shall not be allowed to furnish these items, either as a prime Contractor, a Subcontractor or as a consultant.

(3) The Contractor agrees that it shall neither evaluate nor advise the Government with regard to its own products or activities. The Contractor shall objectively evaluate or advise the Government concerning products or activities of any prospective competitors.

(4) The Contractor agrees that if it gains access to proprietary information of other companies, it shall exercise diligent effort to protect such proprietary information from unauthorized use or disclosure. In addition, the Contractor agrees to protect the proprietary information of other organizations disclosed to the Contractor during performance of this contract with the same caution that a reasonably prudent Contractor would use to safeguard highly valuable property.

The Contractor also agrees that if it gains access to the proprietary information of other companies it shall enter into written agreements with the other companies to protect their information from unauthorized use or disclosure for as long as it remains proprietary and to refrain from using the information for any purpose other than that for which it was furnished.

The Contractor shall provide copies of such agreements to the Contracting Officer.

(5) If the Contractor, in the performance of this contract, obtains access to plans, policies, reports, studies, financial plans, data or other information of any nature which has not been released or otherwise made available to the public, the Contractor agrees that without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer, it shall not: (a) use such information for any private purpose unless the information has been released or otherwise made available to the public, or

(b) release such information unless release is otherwise authorized under the contract or such information has previously been released or otherwise made available to the public by the Government.

e. Non-Disclosure Agreements. The Contractor shall obtain from each employee who has access to proprietary information under this contract, a written agreement which shall in substance provide that such employee shall not, during his/her employment by the Contractor or thereafter, disclose to others or use for their benefit, proprietary information received in connection with the work under this contract. The Contractor shall educate its employees regarding the restrictions so that they shall not use or disclose proprietary information or data generated or acquired in the performance of this contract except as provided herein.

f. Training. The Contractor shall effectively educate its employees, through formal training, company policy, information directives and procedures, in an awareness of the legal issues so that each employee shall know and understand the absolute necessity of safeguarding information from anyone other than the Contractor's employees who have a need to know, and the U.S. Government.

g. Subcontracts. The Contractor agrees that it shall include the provisions in paragraphs d., e., and f. above and this paragraph in consulting agreements, teaming agreements, and subcontracts of all tiers which involve access to information or the performance of services described in paragraph d. above. The use of this clause in such agreements shall be read by substituting the word "consultant" or "Subcontractor" for the word "Contractor" whenever the latter appears.

h. Additional Constraints. If this contract provides for the issuance of task or delivery orders, such orders may impose additional requirements and restrictions relating to this clause to include the requirement for the Contractor and its Subcontractors and employees to furnish the Government with written non-disclosure agreements or statements of no conflict of interest.

With regard to any proposal submitted by the Contractor in response to a Request for Task or Delivery Order Proposal, by submitting its proposal the Contractor represents that it has disclosed to the Contracting Officer, prior to the issuance of the task or delivery order, all facts relevant to the existence or potential existence of organizational conflict of interest.

i. Conflicts Involving Future Procurements. The award of this contract, task or delivery orders issued under this contract, Government taskings, or acquiescence in the Contractor’s performance of services hereunder shall not constitute or be interpreted as a determination that the Contractor is eligible to participate in future procurements, developmental efforts, implementation efforts, or related activities. Only the Contracting Officers for such efforts, applying the rules, principles, and procedures have the authority to determine whether a conflict exists in connection with such procurements.

j. Representations and Disclosures.

(1) The Contractor represents that it has disclosed to the Contracting Officer, prior to award of this contract, all facts relevant to the existence or potential existence of organizational conflict of interest.

(2) The Contractor represents that if it discovers an organizational conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest after award of this contract, a prompt and full disclosure shall be made in writing to the Contracting Officer. This disclosure shall include a description of the action the Contractor has taken or proposes to take in order to avoid or mitigate such conflict.

k. Remedies and Waiver.

(1) For breach of any of the above restrictions or for non-disclosure or misrepresentation of any relevant facts required to be disclosed concerning this contract, the Government may terminate this contract for default, disqualify the Contractor for subsequent related contractual efforts, and pursue such other remedies as may be permitted by law or this contract. If, however, in compliance with this clause, the Contractor discovers and promptly reports an organizational conflict of interest (or the potential thereof) subsequent to contract award, the Contracting Officer may terminate this Contract or any task or delivery order issued under this Contract for convenience if such termination is deemed to be in the best interest of the Government.

(2) The parties recognize that this clause has potential effects which will survive the performance of this contract and that it is impossible to foresee each circumstance to which it might be applied in the future. Accordingly, the Contractor may at any time seek a waiver from the cognizant Contracting Officer by submitting a full written description of the requested waiver and the reasons.

1.6.19 COMBAT TRAFFICKING IN PERSON.

IAW FAR 52-222-50. Contractor Requirements.

The Contractor shall –

(1) Notify its employees of

(i) The U.S. Government's zero tolerance policy.

(ii) Actions that will be taken against employees for violations of this policy.

(2) Take appropriate action.

Part II, Trafficking in Persons (TIP)

1. The Contractor has a procedure for notifying employees of TIP and proof of such notification on file via:

i. Training records or

ii. Employee signature

2. Has documented actions on file citing appropriate action to TIP violations.

3. Record of documented violations to date (if any).

4. The Contractor has a procedure for notifying the Contracting Officer if information is received or actions related to TIP are observed.

PART 2

DEFINITIONS & ACRONYMS

2. DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS:

2.1. DEFINITIONS:

2.1.1. CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR. The official government representative delegated authority by the contracting officer to administer a contract. This individual is normally a member of the appropriate contracting/procurement career field and advises on all technical contractual matters.

2.1.2. CONTRACTOR. A supplier or vendor awarded a contract to provide specific supplies or services to the government. The term used in this contract refers to the prime.

2.1.3. CONTRACTING OFFICER. A person with authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts, and make related determinations and findings on behalf of the government.

Note: The only individual who can legally bind the government.

2.1.4. CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (COR). An employee of the U.S.

government appointed by the contracting officer to administer the contract. Such appointment shall be in writing and shall state the scope of authority and limitations. This individual has authority to provide technical direction to the contractor as long as that direction is within the scope of the contract, does not constitute a change, and has no funding implications. This individual does not have authority to change the terms and conditions of the contract.

2.1.5. DEFECTIVE SERVICE. A service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with the performance work statement.

2.1.6. DELIVERABLE. Anything that can be physically delivered, but may include non-manufactured things such as meeting minutes or reports.

2.1.7. GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY (GFP) OR GOVERNMENT PROPERTY

(GP). Property in the possession of, or directly acquired by, the government and subsequently made available to the contractor.

2.1.9. PHYSICAL SECURITY. Actions that prevent the loss or damage of government property.

2.1.12. QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP). An organized written document specifying the surveillance methodology to be used for surveillance of contractor performance.

2.1.13. QUALITY CONTROL. All necessary measures taken by the contractor to assure that the quality of an end product or service shall meet contract requirements.

2.1.14. SUBCONTRACTOR. One that enters into a contract with a prime contractor. The government does not have privity of contract with the subcontractor.

2.1.15. WORK DAY. The number of hours per day the contractor provides services in accordance with the contract.

2.1.16. WORK WEEK. Monday through Friday, except for federal holidays unless specified otherwise.

2.2. ACRONYMS:

ACOR Alternate Contracting Officer's Representative AFARS Army Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement AR Army Regulation CFR Code of Federal Regulations CMR Contract Manpower Reporting CONUS Continental United States (excludes Alaska and Hawaii) COR Contracting Officer Representative COTS Commercial-Off-the-Shelf DA Department of the Army DD250 Department of Defense Form 250 (Receiving Report) DD254 Department of Defense Contract Security Requirement List DFARS Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement DMDC Defense Manpower Data Center DOD Department of Defense FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation HIPAA Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 KO Contracting Officer OCI Organizational Conflict of Interest OCONUS Outside Continental United States (includes Alaska and Hawaii) ODC Other Direct Costs PIPO Phase In/Phase Out POC Point of Contact PRS Performance Requirements Summary QA Quality Assurance QAP Quality Assurance Program QASP Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan QC Quality Control QCP Quality Control Program SOW Statement of Work TE Technical Exhibit

PART 3

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES

3. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES:

3.1. Services: N/A

3.2 Facilities: N/A

3.3 Utilities: N/A

3.4 Equipment: The government will provide all previous model specifications and full access to existing models of the Caisson Wagon. All aesthetic specifications shall match the previous models. Structural and functional specifications provided by the government are only guidelines and products for reference.

3.5 Materials: N/A

PART 4

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES

4. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

4.1 General: The contractor shall furnish all supplies, equipment, facilities and services required to perform work under this contract that are not listed under Section 3 of this SOW.

4.2 Materials. The contractor shall provide all materials required for the production, delivery, and defect maintenance of the Caisson Wagon to meet the requirements of this SOW.

4.3 Equipment. The contractor shall provide all equipment required for the production, delivery, and defect maintenance of the Caisson Wagon to meet the requirements of this SOW.

PART 5

SPECIFIC TASKS

5.0 Specific Tasks

5.1. Basic Services: The contractor shall provide one Caisson wagon. All outward aesthetic customizations for the wagon shall match the details in the Previous Model Example.

Engineering shall support the following requirements:

5.1.1 Limber Design and Functionality:

Adjustability: The limber features adjustable height settings with the ability to adjust and lock into positions between 33" to 47" from the ground (measured from the end of the limber pole) to account for different horse heights. Adjustment increments shall be no larger than 1.5” (measured at the limber pole fulcrum).

Detachment: The limber easily detaches from the caisson wagon at the support hitch. The limber pole can be detached separately at the support hinges. Limber shall have the ability to swivel left, right, up, and down separately from the Caisson with turns and hills.

Seat: The Limber Seat shall be sturdy while attached, and detachable for repairs.

Spreader Bar: Spreader bar shall be easily connected to the limber pole with the use of carabiners. Each wagon shall come with two spreader bars painted black.

Limber Pole: Limber pole shall be made of lightweight durable metal, round, and painted black. Each wagon shall come with two limber poles. One limber pole shall feature a curved dip to provide space for wheel rider’s leg while riding, the other limber pole shall be straight. Dipped limber pole shall be adjustable at least 6 inches to accommodate different sized wheel horses. Limber pole shall have the ability to swivel left and right sesparately from the limber box with the movement of the horses’ steps as they pull the Caisson.

Limber Box: Limber box shall be weather resistant and sound dampening. Limber box shall be a smooth box design. Limber box shall be able to open and store equipment.

5.1.2 Caisson Wagon Design and Functionality:

Wheel Design: Minimum of 3” wide wheels are used. Wheels shall have durable, solid rubber smooth tread with a minimum vertical thickness of 1” composed of hard rubber or similar material to dampen the sound of the wagon noise while being driven on pavement. Wheels shall be 55” tall. Hubs shall be flush with the wheel and have the outward appearance of brass. Provide one spare wheel for each wagon. If the limber and caisson wheels differ, provide one spare of each type per wagon.

Parking Brake System: Drum brakes or similar are employed for forward movement.

Parking brake system shall not be obviously outwardly visible. Shall be able to be applied by wheel rider while riding.

Surge Brake System: A specialized brake system (such as surge brake or similar) automatically engages brakes to assist with downhill braking to reduce load on wheel horses. Brake system shall act similar to a common boat trailer. Shall be able to be disengaged in case of a malfunction and shall not be outwardly visible.

Casket Rollers: Wagon shall have casket rollers to ease loading and unloading of the casket, protect the top of the wagon and bottom of the casket.

Caisson Box: The Caisson Box shall have a protective cover on top edge of the back of the Caisson to protect the box from being damaged in the process of loading a casket.

Additionally, Caisson box shall have a holder for the stop clamp for storage when not in use.

Caisson Kickstand: Kickstand shall be installed so that when the Caisson is detached from the limber box, the Caisson will be supported off the ground by the kickstand. The kickstand shall be able to be locked into position (up when not in use and down when in use).

Sign Hook: A hook to hang a sign off the back of the Caisson shall be emplaced underneath and towards the rear of the Caisson. The hook shall not be outwardly visible, but a sign hanging from the hook shall be visible to personnel behind the Caisson.

5.1.3 Additional Wagon Considerations:

Materials: Frame and other structural components shall be constructed of powder-coated stainless steel for durability. Outward aesthetic must match those as outlined in the previous models document and shall be constructed with high-grade metal material, besides wheels.

Weight Limit: Overall weight shall not exceed 2000 lbs.

Mileage: Wagon shall be able to sustain daily use and mileage of a minimum 10 miles per day @ 10 mph on 10% grade hills. Must be able to carry an 800lb casket.

Maintenance Program/Lifecycle: Maintenance program shall cover a minimum of any moving or load bearing parts on the wagon (i.e. rollers, bearings, bolts, hubs, chassis, brakes, suspension, etc.). Provide a maintenance program based on age and mileage.

Expectation is that the wagon lasts a minimum of 40 years with assistance of the maintenance program. Unit has access to wheeled vehicle mechanics, welders, leather workers, etc. Repair parts shall be easily resourced commercially.

Hub Maintenance: Hubs shall be designed such that maintenance is roughly 1x per 6 months (other than necessary greasing).

Load Distribution On Equines:

o When stationary on flat ground: There shall be no load from wagon components on equines.

o When moving: Load shall be applied to the traces, with line of draft engaging horse’s breast collar.

o When stopping: Weight of the load shall be minimized by the braking system, with residual weight applied to the horses’ breeching. The height of the limber pole shall be minimally affected by the stopping of the Caisson. The stopping of the caisson shall cause the limber pole to move in a downward motion.

o When going downhill: With assistance from the surge brake, the weight distributed on the horses shall be the same as when stopping. The height of the limber pole shall be minimally affected by the stopping of the Caisson. The downhill weight of the caisson shall cause the limber pole to move in a downward motion.

Suspension System: The limber utilizes an suspension system to withstand the Daily Mileage (listed below) and is balanced while riding, supporting weight distribution needs.

Suspension system shall provide a minimum of 2” of travel. Suspension shall be easily adjustable without crawling under the wagon.

Odometer: Wagon shall include an odometer. Odometer shall not be outwardly visible.

5.2 Warranty: Contractor shall include a five-year warranty to cover manufacturer deficiencies of the entire wagon. If cause of the deficiency is unclear, a government evaluator (Financial Liability Officer) shall make determination following a Financial Liability Investigation of Property Loss (FLIPL).

5.3 Invoicing: Contractor will ensure all invoices are posted to Wide Area Work Flow (WAWF) not later than thirty (30) days after shipment of supplies. Monthly invoices will incorporate reagent use from the first day of the month to the last day of said month. The Contractor shall provide a copy of each invoice and shipping document to the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) within 48 hours of delivery

PART 6

APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS

6. APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS

6.1. The contractor (to include sub-contractors) must abide by all applicable regulations, publications, manuals, and local policies and procedures.

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 1

The Contractor service requirements are summarized into performance objectives that relate directly to mission failure if not accomplished. The performance threshold briefly describes the minimum acceptable levels of service required for each requirement. These thresholds are critical to mission success.

Performance Objective Standard Performance

Threshold Incentive/Disincentive

#1 Delivery of wagon Contractor shall provide one (1) wagon NLT 1 May 2026 with the specifications outlined in SOW Section 5.

100% Compliance

Contractor compliance rate shall be utilized as objective evidence of contract compliance and documented into the CPAR system: contractor shall repair deficiencies.