SCOPE OF WORK

National Cemetery Administration Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery Dallas, TX 75211 Tree Pruning and Removal

A. GENERAL INFORMATION:

The Department of Veteran Affairs, National Cemetery Administration intends to award a firm, fixed price contract for the procurement of tree maintenance services at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery and hereafter referred to as “Cemetery”. The Contractor(s) gaining award shall provide all labor, tools, materials, and equipment necessary to accomplish tree and/or stump removal, pruning, trimming, cabling, cavity repair, root pruning, and the removal and disposal of resulting waste and debris for the National Cemeteries listed below, on a one-time basis. The contractor shall provide all professional advice/guidance, parts, materials, equipment, and personnel, to provide these services.

1. LOCATION:

These services will be performed at the following location:

Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway Dallas, TX 75211

2. SITE VISIT:

Offerors / quoters are required to inspect all sites where services are to be performed to verify the work involved and satisfy them regarding all general and local conditions that may affect the cost of contract performance. In no event shall failure to inspect the sites constitute grounds for a claim after contract award.

Visits to the site by bidders may be made only by appointment with the COR or authorized designee of the Cemetery.

3. WORK SUMMARY:

As indicated on the Tree Worksheet (Attachment A*) and CLIN Sheet (Attachment B), work to be done to trees shall consist of one or more of the following; tree removal, pruning, trimming, stump removal, and removal and disposal of resulting waste and debris.

· One (1) medium tree is to be removed.

· Five (5) medium trees are to receive routine pruning.

· One (1) medium tree is to receive deadwood pruning 1.

· Three (3) large trees are to be removed.

· Thirty-six (36) large trees are to receive routine pruning.

· Fifteen (15) large trees are to receive deadwood pruning 1.

· Twenty-two (22) large trees are to receive deadwood pruning 2.

· OPTION: Up to 25 trees are to receive root invigoration and vertical mulching.

*Attachment A is split into A.1 for Pruning and Removal and A.2 for Root Invigoration and Vertical Mulching. Some trees may be on both lists and may be cross-referenced by the “Individual Tree” column; this is noted on the worksheet.

4. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

The period of performance for this contract will be from award of contract and/or notice to proceed, until accepted completion by Government which will be no longer than a period of sixty (60) calendar days.

B. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND STATEMENT OF WORK:

1. CERTIFIED ARBORIST:

A “Certified Arborist” shall serve as the “site manager” for this contract and will be provided by the Contractor work is being performed - other than trash and debris pick-up. The certified arborist must be certified by International Society of Arboriculture, or other acceptable national or state certifying agency, society, or association. The Contractor shall submit the arborist’s current certificate to the COR prior to commencing work. The Certified Arborist must have at least three (3) years’ experience as a direct supervisor of a commercial tree maintenance operation that included removal, trimming, and stump removal in commercial, industrial, or public sites. The Certified Arborist will ensure all specifications are being met, ensure contract work does not conflict with ceremonies and funerals, and ensure employees are adequately supervised and proper conduct is maintained. Any proposed personnel change for the Certified Arborist shall be approved a minimum of ten (10) business days prior to any tree work.

2. TREE MAINTENANCE CATEGORIES:

Tree work is categorized into CLINs by size and maintenance categories.

a. Size Categories:

Small – Trees in this category are 25 feet or less in height AND 12 inches or less in DBH.

Medium – Trees in this category are between 25 and 40 feet in height OR their DBH is between 12 and 24 inches.

Large – Trees in this category exceed 40 feet in height OR 24 inches in DBH.

b. Maintenance Categories:

Deadwood Pruning 1 – Trees in this category will have any deadwood and/or broken branches removed that pose a potential risk that may result in personal injury or property damage. This category includes any trees that contain broken, hanging, dead, or otherwise potentially dangerous limbs generally greater than 4” in diameter or any trees with a significant number of dead branches that require removal. Deadwood pruning requires the removal of all deadwood present in the tree (4) inches in diameter and less.

Deadwood Pruning 2 – Trees in this category will require pruning to remove deadwood and broken branches or living branches to improve the structural integrity of the tree. This category includes any tree with broken, hanging, dead, or otherwise potentially dangerous limbs generally greater than 2” but less than 4” in diameter. Deadwood pruning requires the removal of all deadwood present in the tree (2) inches in diameter and less.

Routine Pruning – Trees in this category include any larger trees (over 20’ in height) with minor amounts of deadwood less than 2” in diameter or with correctable structural problems. Any large trees whose growth pattern may obstruct or interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic clearance, traffic control devices, lines of sight, or overhead traffic lines are included in this category. Work under Routine Pruning shall remove 20 to 25% of the tree’s total leaf area by means of one or combination of:

· crown thinning: the selective removal of dead, diseased, broken or weakly attached branches (Crown Cleaning); and the removal of branches to increase light penetration and air movement through the crown; thinning towards the branch tip to reduce the wind-sail effect of foliar clumps in the crown; and thinning to relieve the weight of heavy limbs.

· crown cleaning: The selective removal of dead, diseased, broken or weakly attached branches of any size, and aerial roots. This constitutes regular landscape maintenance pruning that will correct small growth problems before they become larger, more costly problems.

· crown reduction: Pruning to reduce the size of the tree and to provide a symmetrical shape to the tree crown.

· crown raising: The removal of the lower branch of a tree to provide clearance for buildings, signs, vehicles, pedestrians and vistas.

Training Pruning – Trees in this category include young or small trees less than 20’ in height that are in need of training pruning to reduce future structural problems that are listed under routine pruning. Trees with growth patterns that will eventually obstruct or interfere with turf growth and health, pedestrian or vehicular traffic clearance, and, lines of sight are also included in this category.

Removal – Trees in this category are dead, dying, and diseased or have suffered extensive storm damage and require complete removal, to include stump removal.

Stump Removal - Tree has been removed but stump remains and requires removal.

3. TREE REMOVAL/STUMP GRINDING:

a. Existing trees and stumps indicated on the Tree Work Sheet (See Attachment A) for removal shall be cut down under the instruction/guidance of a Contractor provided Certified Arborist.

b. All trees shall be topped prior to falling and all limbs over 3 ½” in diameter must be lowered to the ground by ropes. The Contractor shall take every precaution to prevent any falling branches or trees from damaging any headstones, adjacent plant material or structures.

c. The stumps are to be ground to a minimum of 6” and a maximum of 8" below soil level, or to the lateral roots, if reached before the specific depth. The Contractor shall never grind the stumps to the depth that would interfere with the roots of any adjacent tree(s) that the Government will retain. The cavity of the stump is to be filled with high quality, weed free topsoil and tamped to meet the existing grade.

d. All wood, chip particles, and debris from the tree and stump removal shall be cleaned up thoroughly and removed from the cemetery grounds.

e. Any damage or breakage during the performance of these services by the Contractor shall be repaired, replaced, given remedial and/or corrective treatment and cleaned up by the Contractor at the Government’s satisfaction and at no additional cost to the Government.

4. PRUNING/TRIMMING STANDARDS:

a. All work shall comply with: Best Management Practices: Tree Pruning (2018 ISA or latest edition) companion publication to the ANSI A300 (Part 1) -2017 or latest edition: Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Maintenance – Standard Practices, Pruning.

b. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that all pruning cuts shall be made just outside the collar or shoulder ring (branch bark ridge/swollen trunk collar) close to parent stem so that healing can readily start under normal conditions.

c. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that when reducing the tree height and spread, he/she shall retain the natural shape of the tree by removing the entire lateral branches back to their point of origin also known as drop crotching or thinning.

d. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that all limbs one inch in diameter or over must be precut to prevent splitting. All branches and/or tree material 3 1/2" in diameter or larger shall be lowered by proper lowering methods, such as using ropes.

e. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that all trees shall be pruned and shaped to retain the trees natural crown characteristics and patterns.

f. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that all trees shall have the live branches removed to permit penetration of sunlight and circulation of air through the canopy in conjunction to the aesthetic appearance, natural crown characteristics, and growth patterns.

g. The Contractor is responsible to ensure care when removing living and/or dead crossed or rubbing branches, where practicable, so the removal will not leave large holes in the aesthetic appearance, natural crown characteristics and growth patterns of the tree.

h. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that, when pruning trees known to be diseased or susceptible to diseases, tools are disinfected with alcohol after each cut and between trees, where there is known to be danger of transmitting the disease on the tools.

i. The Contractor is responsible for reporting to the COR all of the following conditions: when old scars are not healing properly; where callus growth is not already established; visible girdling roots, and when there are any structural weaknesses such as but not limited to decayed trunk or branches, and split trunk/branch crotches.

j. The following methods of pruning are NOT acceptable therefore, the contractor is responsible to ensure that these methods are never performed: topping, heading-back, stubbing, de-horning, lion-tailing, and pollarding.

k. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that in lifting the bottom branches of the trees for under clearance, care shall be given to symmetrical appearance, esthetic appearance, natural crown characteristics and growth patterns of the trees.

l. In general, the Contractor shall ensure when reducing the size of a tree and with respect to retaining the tree’s natural crown characteristics and patterns, not more than 1/4 of the total area shall be reduced at a single operation, unless instructed in writing to do so by the COR.

m. The Contractor is required to dispose of all debris and other waste materials generated by his/her work at a licensed off-site landfill or recycling center, unless otherwise directed in writing by the COR. NOTE: The Government shall NOT provide receptacle(s) for disposal of debris related to this contract.

n. The contractor will take all necessary precautions to prevent damage to trees while performing pruning. The use of climbing spikes is prohibited, unless prior permission is obtained from the COR in writing, and on a tree by tree basis. This permission will only be granted in cases where there are no other means to access the work to be performed, as determined by the COR.

5. TREE ROOT ZONE INVIGORATION AND VERTICAL MULCHING

a. The contractor will use a pneumatic tool (air spade or air tool) to the root zone to de-compact the soil around the trunk flare and excavate the root collar as necessary. Girdling roots shall be hand pruned.

b. Using the same air tool, the contractor shall create bore holes in radiating circles from the trunk of the tree to encompass the entirety of the Critical Root Zone (CRZ). The CRZ is calculated as an area equal to a 1-foot radius from the base of the tree’s trunk for each 1 inch of the tree’s diameter at breast height.

c. The bore holes shall be 2 inches in diameter and 18 to 24 inches in depth. The bore holes shall be spaced 1 to 3 feet apart. Exact depth and distance shall be determined by a Certified Arborist and be based on individual site conditions and tree health care needs.

d. The bore holes or any resulting excavation shall be filled with on-site soil augmented with micronutrients and organic amendments such as compost or biochar and tamped to grade.

e. If in the process of root excavation additional tree health concerns are noted, this information shall be provided to the COR.

C. WORK HOURS AND MEETINGS:

All work shall be performed during the normal working hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), Monday through Friday, except with the written permission of the COR. All work shall be scheduled and coordinated with the COR. When emergency situations are caused by the Contractor, then he/she shall make arrangements with the COR to work on weekends to correct/eliminate the emergency in order to meet the period of performance. The Government shall not compensate the Contractor for emergency situations caused by the Contractor.

D. RECORD KEEPING AND REPORTING:

1. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining all necessary and current licenses, Arborist certification, permits, vehicular insurance and registration, Workman’s Compensatory Liability Insurance, property liability insurance etc., prior to the start date of these services. The Contractor gaining award shall provide the Contracting Officer copies of these required documents immediately after award of contract.

2. UTILITY LINES COMPLIANCE: Where pruning/stump grinding/tree removal conflicts with existing utility/service lines (above ground/below ground), the corresponding utilities company/cemetery staff shall be notified and the Contractor shall obtain any necessary permits/ blue prints and cooperate with the utilities company/cemetery staff to avoid any damage or liability, and provide a safe work environment for his/her employees.

3. INSPECTION: At the completion of the work, the COR shall inspect the contracted tree maintenance in the company of the Contractor’s site manager. Work determined by the COR to be incomplete shall be completed by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government. Disputes arising regarding the status of the work will be reported to the CO for final resolution.

E. GENERAL CONDITIONS:

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

2. The Contractor shall be responsible for cleaning any cemetery structures that are soiled or stained as a result of Contractor’s performance. The Contractor shall wash-down with water all soiled or stained structures and grounds at the end of each workday. No hazardous chemicals are to be used at anytime on Government property. The Contractor shall bear all costs associated with washing and cleaning. Any such washing/cleaning shall be brought to the immediate attention of the COR prior to washing/cleaning.

3. At the end of each day the Contractor shall remove all debris from the cemetery site resulting from the work, unless otherwise specified by the COR. The Contractor shall ensure at all times that rubbish and trash generated by the Contractor is kept clear of vehicular and pedestrian traffic throughout the site. NOTE: The Government shall NOT provide receptacle(s) for disposal of debris related to this contract.

4. Adequate warning devices, barricades, guards, flagmen or other necessary precautions shall be provided by the Contractor for the protection, safety, and warning of all pedestrians and vehicular traffic within the area.

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

6. The Contractor shall not operate trucks, tractors, and other heavy equipment on any turf area except when authorized in writing by the COR. Contractor shall “Board-in” and “board-out” when moving heavy equipment over turf. That is, the Contractor shall place plywood sheets or mud tracks to protect turf from damage from heavy equipment. Protection boards shall be removed from turf by the close of business each day to avoid damaging turf.

7. Due to the sensitive mission of the cemetery, the work often requires contact with, and exposure to, grieving individuals. Contractor personnel must exercise and exhibit absolute decorum, composure and stability at all times.

8. The Government shall not be responsible for any loss, damage, or theft of contractor items. Contractor shall be responsible for acceptable standards of housekeeping and custodial maintenance of Department of Veterans Affairs facilities used by Contractor's employees.

9. Electricity and water will be furnished by the Government.

10. The COR may designate an area for the Contractor to use to store a limited amount of supplies or equipment, if available.

11. The COR will designate an area for Contractor employees to take lunch and other breaks.

F. DAMAGE TO GOVERNMENT PROPERTY:

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

G. CONTRACTOR-FURNISHED ITEMS:

1. The Contractor is responsible for supplying all equipment, personnel, tools, supplies and materials to perform these services. All pruning tools shall be kept sharp and properly functioning.

2. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all of his/her motor vehicles and equipment meet State inspection, safety, licensing, registration, and insurance requirements.

H. CONTRACTOR CONDUCT: Contractor personnel shall:

1. Be required to adhere to the following standards of dress, conduct, supervision and training while performing work on Government property. It shall be subject to immediate enforcement action by the Contracting Officer if these standards are not adhered to during the period of performance of this contract. Contractor shall be responsible for training and safety precautions prescribed by OSHA regarding safety equipment and devices.

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

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

4. The Contractor/personnel shall not engage in loud or boisterous behavior, angry outbursts or use profane or abusive language at anytime on Government premises. Playing radios and/or electronic games/devices, shall only be done at lunchtime and in a designated break area. Due to the sensitive mission of the cemetery, Contractor employees will come into daily contact with grieving individuals, therefore Contractor employees will exercise and exhibit absolute decorum, courtesy, and respect while within the cemetery or at its perimeter or entrances. Inquiries from cemetery visitors shall be politely referred to Government cemetery staff. Gratuities of any kind are strictly prohibited.

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

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

7. Worker parking: Parking is limited. The COR will designate an area for all contract employees to park. Workers are not allowed to park throughout the cemetery grounds, and violation of this requirement shall form the basis for immediate contract enforcement action, to include immediate removal from the cemetery.

8. The Contractor shall be responsible to ensure that his/her employees (including contractor’s consultants, subcontractors, etc.) are aware of all the terms and conditions set forth above in this solicitation package regarding their performance and conduct during the performance period of this contract.

End of Scope of Work

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment A.1 Tree Worksheet for Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery:

Pruning and Removal

Attachment A.2 Tree Worksheet for Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery:

Root Zone Invigoration and Vertical Mulching

Attachment B CLIN Sheet for Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery

Attachment C Site Plan for Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery

Attachment A.1 Tree Worksheet for Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery Pruning and Removal

Tree also in CLIN 011

Tree also in CLIN 011

Attachment A.2 Tree Worksheet for Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery Root Zone Invigoration and Vertical Mulching (OPTIONS)

Attachment B CLIN Sheet for Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery

TOTAL AMOUNT =

Attachment C Site Plan for Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery

Tree maintenance approximate locations indicated.

Number (1,2,3…) indicates number of trees at location.

Letter indicates size: S = small; M = medium; L = large.

Color indicates maintenance required: red = removal; orange = stump removal; green = training pruning; pink = routine pruning; blue = deadwood pruning 2; purple = deadwood pruning 1.