USAGM RFP 951700-23-R-0004 ERM Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services.pdf

Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services - USAGM Edward R. Murrow Transmitting Station

Date:

To:

Subject:

February 8, 2023

Prospective Offerors

Request for Proposal number 951700-23-R-0004

Enclosed is a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services - USAGM Edward R. Murrow Transmitting Station.

If you would like to submit a proposal, follow the instructions in Section L of the solicitation, complete the required portions of the attached document, and submit it via email to Contract Specialist, Crystina Lopez: crystinalopez@usagm.gov with a copy to Contracting Officer, Tisa Harvin: tharvin@usagm.gov.

An Offeror is required to be registered in SAM when submitting an offer or quotation, and shall continue to be registered until time of award, during performance, and through final payment of any contract, basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, or blanket purchasing agreement resulting from this solicitation.

The U.S. Government intends to award a firm-fixed-price (FFP) commercial contract to the responsible offeror submitting a proposal which has been determined to be the best value to the Government. USAGM intends to award a contract based on initial proposals without holding discussions, although USAGM reserves the right to conduct discussions with the offeror or offerors.

Proposals are due by Wednesday, March 1, 2023, 12:00 Noon, Eastern Standard Time.

Sincerely, Tisa Harvin, Contracting Officer Office of Management Services/Contracts U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) 330 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20237 tharvin@usagm.gov Office Phone: (202) 920-2307 mailto:rnelson@usagm.gov mailto:tharvin@usagm.gov mailto:tharvin@usagm.gov

Solicitation 951700-23-R-0004

EDWARD R. MURROW TRANSMITTING STATION

Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION A – SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM 1

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES 2

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS 6

SECTION D – PACKAGING AND MARKING 17

SECTION E – INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE 18

SECTION F – DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE 19

SECTION G – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA 20

SECTION H – SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS 22

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I – CONTRACT CLAUSES 23

PART III – LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, AND OTHER ATTACHEMENTS

SECTION J – LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, AND OTHER ATTACHEMENTS 34

PART IV – REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION K – REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER STATEMENTS OF BIDDERS 58

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO BIDDERS 76

SECTION M – EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD 78

Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES

B.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND PRICE SCHEDULE

The Contractor shall furnish Antenna Field mowing and grounds maintenance services, and all equipment and supplies to accomplish the tasks and activities as specified here within. Services shall be performed at the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), Edward R. Murrow Transmitting Station located at 3919 VOA Site B Road, Grimesland, NC 27837.

B.2 BASE AND OPTION PERIOD PRICING

B.2.1 Base Year Pricing, March 15, 2023 through December 31, 2023.

Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services in accordance with the Scope of Work contained herein for the Edward R. Murrow Transmitting Station, B-Site and C-Site facilities.

Line Description Cost/Event # Events Annual Cost

Fixed Services 0001 Herbicide Application (B-site) $ 1 $ 0002 Mow Primary Area (B-site) $ 2 $ 0003 Mow/Farm Secondary Area (B-site) $ 1 $ 0004 Fire Lane Preparation 1st Seasonal Cut (B-site) $ 1 $ 0005 Fire Lane Maintenance (B-site) $ 5 $ 0006 Mowing Services (C-Site) $ 1 $

TOTAL BASE YEAR COSTS (001-006) $

Other Services

0007* Additional Services, Mowing Services (Cost/Acre) (Not to Exceed) $ TBD

0008* Additional Services, Fence line Clearing (Cost/Foot) (Not to Exceed) $ TBD

*Activities, as required, performed under Line Items 007 and 008 shall be ordered by the COR per event.

COMPOUND MOWING AND LANDSCAPING

Compound Mowing and Landscaping Services in accordance with the Scope of Work contained herein for the Edward R. Murrow Transmitting Station, B-Site and C-Site facilities.

Line Description Cost/Event # Events Annual Cost

Fixed Services 0009 Lawn Maintenance (Mowing/Edging) $ 36 $ 0010 Outer Fence Line/Access Roadway Edging $ 3 $ 0011 Hedge/Bed Maintenance, (every 90 days) $ 3 $ 0012 Additional Landscaping (Not to Exceed)

Cost of event: Cost/hour $ TBD $

TOTAL BASE YEAR COSTS (0001-0012) $

Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services

B.2.2. Option Year 1 Pricing, January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024.

Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services in accordance with the Scope of Work contained herein for the Edward R. Murrow Transmitting Station, B-Site and C-Site facilities.

Line Description Cost/Event # Events Annual Cost

Fixed Services 1001 Herbicide Application (B-site) $ 1 $ 1002 Mow Primary Area (B-site) $ 2 $ 1003 Mow/Farm Secondary Area (B-site) $ 1 $ 1004 Fire Lane Preparation 1st Seasonal Cut (B-site) $ 1 $ 1005 Fire Lane Maintenance (B-site) $ 5 $ 1006 Mowing Services (C-Site) $ 1 $

TOTAL OPTION YEAR ONE COSTS (101-106) $

Other Services

1007* Additional Services, Mowing Services (Cost/Acre) (Not to Exceed) $ TBD

1008* Additional Services, Fence line Clearing (Cost/Foot) (Not to Exceed) $ TBD

*Activities, as required, performed under Line Items 107 and 108 shall be ordered by the COR per event.

COMPOUND MOWING AND LANDSCAPING

Compound Mowing and Landscaping Services in accordance with the Scope of Work contained herein for the Edward R. Murrow Transmitting Station, B-Site and C-Site facilities.

Line Description Cost/Event # Events Annual Cost

Fixed Services 1009 Lawn Maintenance (Mowing/Edging) $ 36 $ 1010 Outer Fence Line/Access Roadway Edging $ 3 $ 1011 Hedge/Bed Maintenance, (every 90 days) $ 3 $ 1012 Additional Landscaping (Not to Exceed)

TOTAL OPTION YEAR 1 COSTS (1001-2012) $

Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services

B.2.3 Option Year 2 Pricing, January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025.

Antenna Field Mowing and Maintenance Services in accordance with the Scope of Work contained herein for the Edward R. Murrow Transmitting Station, B-Site and C-Site facilities.

Line Description Cost/Event # Events Annual Cost

Fixed Services 2001 Herbicide Application (B-site) $ 1 $ 2002 Mow Primary Area (B-site) $ 2 $ 2003 Mow/Farm Secondary Area (B-site) $ 1 $ 2004 Fire Lane Preparation 1st Seasonal Cut (B-site) $ 1 $ 2005 Fire Lane Maintenance (B-site) $ 5 $ 2006 Mowing Services (C-Site) $ 1 $

TOTAL OPTION YEAR TWO COSTS (201-206) $

Other Services

2007* Additional Services, Mowing Services (Cost/Acre) (Not to Exceed) $ TBD

2008* Additional Services, Fence line Clearing (Cost/Foot) (Not to Exceed) $ TBD

*Activities, as required, performed under Line Items 207 and 208 shall ordered by the COR per event.

COMPOUND MOWING AND LANDSCAPING

Compound Mowing and Landscaping Services in accordance with the Scope of Work contained herein for the Edward R. Murrow Transmitting Station, B-Site and C-Site facilities.

Line Description Cost/Event # Events Annual Cost

Fixed Services 2009 Lawn Maintenance (Mowing/Edging) $ 36 $ 2010 Outer Fence Line/Access Roadway Edging $ 3 $ 2011 Hedge/Bed Maintenance, (every 90 days) $ 3 $ 2012 Additional Landscaping (Not to Exceed)

TOTAL OPTION YEAR 2 COSTS (2001-2012) $

Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services

B.2.4 Option Year 3 Pricing, January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026.

Antenna Field Mowing and Maintenance Services in accordance with the Scope of Work contained herein for the Edward R. Murrow Transmitting Station, B-Site and C-Site facilities.

Line Description Cost/Event # Events Annual Cost

Fixed Services 3001 Herbicide Application (B-site) $ 1 $ 3002 Mow Primary Area (B-site) $ 2 $ 3003 Mow/Farm Secondary Area (B-site) $ 1 $ 3004 Fire Lane Preparation 1st Seasonal Cut (B-site) $ 1 $ 3005 Fire Lane Maintenance (B-site) $ 5 $ 3006 Mowing Services (C-Site) $ 1 $

TOTAL OPTION YEAR THREE COSTS (301-306) $

Other Services

3007* Additional Services, Mowing Services (Cost/Acre) (Not to Exceed) $ TBD

3008* Additional Services, Fence line Clearing (Cost/Foot) Not to Exceed) $ TBD

*Activities, as required, performed under Line Items 307 and 308 shall be ordered by the COR per event.

COMPOUND MOWING AND LANDSCAPING

Compound Mowing and Landscaping Services in accordance with the Scope of Work contained herein for the Edward R. Murrow Transmitting Station, B-Site and C-Site facilities.

Line Description Cost/Event # Events Annual Cost

Fixed Services 3009 Lawn Maintenance (Mowing/Edging) $ 36 $ 3010 Outer Fence Line/Access Roadway Edging $ 3 $ 3011 Hedge/Bed Maintenance, (every 90 days) $ 3 $ 3012 Additional Landscaping (Not to Exceed)

TOTAL OPTION YEAR 3 COSTS (3001-3012) $

Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services

B.2.5 Option Year 4 Pricing, January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2027.

Antenna Field Mowing and Maintenance Services in accordance with the Scope of Work contained herein for the Edward R. Murrow Transmitting Station, B-Site and C-Site facilities.

Line Description Cost/Event # Events Annual Cost

Fixed Services 4001 Herbicide Application (B-site) $ 1 $ 4002 Mow Primary Area (B-site) $ 2 $ 4003 Mow/Farm Secondary Area (B-site) $ 1 $ 4004 Fire Lane Preparation 1st Seasonal Cut (B-site) $ 1 $ 4005 Fire Lane Maintenance (B-site) $ 5 $ 4006 Mowing Services (C-Site) $ 1 $

TOTAL BASE YEAR COSTS (001-006) $

Other Services

4007* Additional Services, Mowing Services (Cost/Acre) (Not to Exceed) $ TBD

4008* Additional Services, Fence line Clearing (Cost/Foot) (Not to Exceed) $ TBD

*Activities, as required, performed under Line Items 407 and 408 shall be ordered by the COR per event.

COMPOUND MOWING AND LANDSCAPING

Compound Mowing and Landscaping Services in accordance with the Scope of Work contained herein for the Edward R. Murrow Transmitting Station, B-Site and C-Site facilities.

Line Description Cost/Event # Events Annual Cost

Fixed Services 4009 Lawn Maintenance (Mowing/Edging) $ 36 $ 4010 Outer Fence Line/Access Roadway Edging $ 3 $ 4011 Hedge/Bed Maintenance, (every 90 days) $ 3 $ 4012 Additional Landscaping (Not to Exceed)

TOTAL OPTION YEAR 4 COSTS (4001-4012) $

Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services

B.3 CONTRACT TYPE

This is a firm fixed-price (FFP) contract for Antenna Field mowing and maintenance services for the USAGM Edward R. Murrow Transmitting Station. Acquisition Authority: This acquisition is conducted under the authority of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13-Simplified Acquisition Procedures; FAR Subpart 13.5-Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items; FAR Part 12-Acquisition of Commercial Items. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2023-01; dated 12/31/2022. To view the latest Federal Acquisition Circulars (FAC) go to https://www.regulations.gov.

B.4 SEVERABLE SERVICES

The services acquired under this contract contain severable services. Funds are only available for use for the contract line item (CLIN) to which they are obligated. Unused funds from one CLIN may not rollover for use in other CLINs.

Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS

C.1. INTRODUCTION

C.1.1 The Contractor shall furnish all personnel, equipment and supplies necessary to perform antenna field mowing, fire lane preparation and maintenance, and herbicide vegetation control services as described herein at the two sites comprising the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM), Office of Cuban Broadcast (OCB), Edward R. Murrow Transmitting Station, Greenville, NC. In addition, Contractor shall provide lawn maintenance services to include mowing, trimming, edging and landscaping services at the main facilities located in Grimesland, NC. Refer to Attachments for physical location of the facilities.

C.1.2 Site Descriptions and Locations

C.1.2.1 B-Site, near Blackjack, NC, is approximately 18 miles south of Greenville at 3919 VOA Site B Road (old SR 1785), and encompasses 2,715 acres, Refer to Attachment 2.

C.1.2.2 Site C, 55.5 acres, near Farmville, NC, is approximately 8 miles west of Greenville located on the East Carolina University Western Research Campus (WRC) facility on VOA Site C Road. Refer to Attachment 2. Mowing area is delineated by implanted iron posts around the main property perimeter and adjoining fence lines for the easement. Main 51.07 acres consists of three grassy elevated mounds adjoined to the main road by a 60 foot easement.

C.2 DEFINITIONS

C.2.1 Primary Area: Refers to an approximate area of 1086 acres located at the B-Site facility with areas defined by imaginary boundaries that encompass the station antennas and guys extend inward to a line on the NW of the property 1000 feet from the center line of the main entrance road.. Refer to Attachment 1 for general delineation of primary area.

C.2.2 Secondary Area: Refers to all areas extending from the primary area perimeter to the property fence lines. Secondary for B-Site facility includes approximately 1621 acres.

C.2.3 C-Site: Refers to Station controlled properties incorporated in the East Carolina West Research Campus facility located west of Greenville, NC. Parcel consists of 55.5 acres, (including 60 foot easement).

C.2.4 COR: The designated station Authorized Representative of the Contracting Officer. The COR is assigned to provide technical oversight of the Contractor’s performance related to the work elements and specifications cited within this Statement of Work.

Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services

C.3 SCOPE OF WORK

C.3.1 ANTENNA FIELD MAINTENANCE

C.3.1.1 General

1. Mowing heights in the primary and secondary field areas shall be six (6) inches.

2. Entrance and antenna access road shoulders shall be cut at a height of three (3) inches to the center-line of the ditches.

3. The mowing schedule for each of the facilities shall be:

a. Primary Area, B-Site, (1st cut) (April-May)

b. C- Site Mowing (June-July)

c. Secondary Area, B-Site, (late Sept-Oct.)

C. Primary Area, B-Site, (2nd mowing, (Oct.-Nov.) following Secondary mowing.

4. Actual mowing schedules may vary based on weather, operations, and/or mutual agreements between the Contractor and the station COR.

C.3.1.2 Primary Area

Primary area shall be mowed twice a year. Initial mowing shall commence between the months of April and May of each year. Second mowing of the primary shall be performed between the months of October and November of each year commencing in accordance with the prescribed mowing order.

C.3.1.3 Secondary Area - (See Section C.11 for Agriculture Option)

1. The secondary area at the B-Site facility shall be mowed once each year during the months of late September and October.

2. The secondary area for the B-Site facility has been arbitrarily sectioned to designate Area parcels. Area parcels have been defined to facilitate identification of problems and to adjudicate partial payments for services performed.

C.3.1.4 C-Site

C-Site shall be mowed once each year between the months of June and July.

C.3.1.5 Ditches

1. Ditch mowing shall be performed per the applicable schedule of primary and secondary areas, whereby, ditches contained within the primary areas shall be cut twice per year and secondary are ditches once per year.

Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services

2. Vegetation on ditch banks and basins shall be cut to a height of 6 inches.

3. An exception is permissible in areas of poor drainage where ditches may retain water through the growing period. In this case, the ditch banks may be cut to the existing water level point.

C.3.1.6 Vegetation Control (Herbicide Application)

Contractor shall apply herbicide conforming to specifications with Section C.4 of this document. Contractor shall comply with all manufacturer guidelines concerning safety of employees during all mixing and application phases. All elements of herbicide application will conform to initial primary area mowing.

Herbicide application shall include:

• Areas around antenna towers and associated support structures, transmission line poles, fence line posts, power line structures and other critical edifices shall be cut to required height and treated with herbicides.

Herbicide shall be applied to a minimum of three (3) feet around each structure. Contractor shall trim vegetation, as needed, from around structures prior to herbicide application.

• Perimeter fence lines shall be cleared and herbicides applied to the outside of, and five (5) feet beyond, the fence to prevent growth on or into the fence line. Herbicide will be applied to a minimum of three (3) feet on the inside of the fence.

• Pole Yard. The Pole yard is a graveled open storage areas located within the antenna fields. The pole yard is approximately 170 by 120 feet (20,400

sq. ft).

• Station Sub-Station. Station portions of the substations are graveled areas approximately 61 x 101 ft., (6161 sq. ft.)

• All asphalt paved antenna field and antenna access roadways. Roadways are approximately 20 foot wide. Antenna roadway lengths are approximately 40,791 feet (Approx. 7.75 miles)

Contractor shall make every effort to avoid herbicide application to roadway shoulders and culvert areas to minimize affects on erosion control vegetation.

C.3.1.7 Fire Lane Preparation and Maintenance

The Contractor shall be responsible for the initial preparation and subsequent maintenance of field fire lanes as depicted on B-Site drawing. The facility includes approximately 19 miles of fire lanes. Fire lanes shall be a minimum of 30 feet wide and maintained to eliminate and control all vegetation growth.

Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services

Fire lanes along the perimeter fence lines shall be offset from the fence by fifteen feet. Fire lanes shall be constructed along the perimeter of the primary area. Approximate fire lane construction is as follows:

• The Contractor shall initially prepare all fire lanes each year by disk plowing/disc harrowing the 30 foot lanes to a shallow depth adequate to strip all existing vegetation. Disk operation shall be followed by use of harrow operation to provide smooth surface area.

• All fire lanes will subsequently be maintained, as needed, through the use of shallow cultivation/harrow equipment at a frequency not to exceed six week intervals between the months of April to September. (Approximately 5 times per year.)

C.3.1.8 Additional Services:

All additional services shall be authorized through the use of separate task orders issued by the Contracting Officer. Task Orders shall specify: Actual amount of work to be performed, estimates of the professional/technical effort required, the time of such performance, and the location of the property or properties.

• Additional Mowing

Requirements within this activity shall be performed on an 'as needed basis'.

Additional mowing activities shall be limited to pre-defined areas to support special requirements not specifically cited within the normal scope of work.

Services may include, but not be limited to, roadways, swathes to accommodate access to areas not otherwise addressed in the regular maintenance activities, and mowing in conjunction with drainage operations to ensure proper movement of water from key areas.

• Perimeter Fence Line Clearing:

Requirements within this activity shall address perimeter fence clearing requirements that exceed normal maintenance and vegetation control as specified in C.3.1.6 above. Scope shall include tree and heavy brush removal and herbicide treatment, as practical, to control growth on internal and external areas of the fence line.

• Ditch Clearing

Ditch clearing shall involve those activities to ensure that site drainage maintain unencumbered. Activities may involve excavation to remove excess silt and/or regrading to ensure adequate drainage flow.

• Culvert Cleaning and Replacement

Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services

Activities associated with culvert cleaning and replacement shall address those disciplines and performance required to ensure that drainage through underground passageways are clear of debris and in adequate repair and functionality. Replacement shall involve the excavation to remove any damaged culverts and replace with like and kind culvert materials and restoration to original form and function.

• Perimeter Fencing Maintenance

Services shall include general maintenance and upkeep of property perimeter barbed wire fencing to include splicing and repairing or replacement of broken or deteriorated segments including poles, and fixtures, and supports.

C.3.2 COMPOUND MAINTENANCE

C.3.2.1 Overview

The services required under this contract will commence on or about the first day of January and end on the last business day of December of each year.

All work performed by the contractor shall be performed Monday through Friday between the hours of 0700-1530, excluding federal holidays.

C.3.2.2 Lawn Maintenance

• Lawn maintenance routines shall commence on or about the first day of March and end on or about the last day of November of each year.

• During this time period of lawn maintenance, services will be provided once a week unless precluded by inclement weather conditions whereby lawn mowing would damage the turf.

• The grass will be cut to a minimum height of 1.5 inches. Services required outside of the contract time period will be provided when requested. If weather conditions are such that grass needs less frequent cutting, the Facilities Manager will contact the contractor to arrange an alternate schedule.

• Grass clippings, to the extent that they do not cover the lawn or look unsightly may be left where they fall. If sufficient to affect the growth of the grass or look unsightly, they shall be removed as needed. Acceptable level of clippings shall be at the sole discretion of the appointed COR.

Clippings that are removed from the lawn must be removed from the site for proper disposal.

Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services

• Discharge from all mowing shall be away from all cooling system heat exchangers, both air conditioning and transmitter. Professional cleaning of heat exchangers shall be the responsibility of the contractor should proper discharge procedures not be followed and subsequent clogging of said heat exchangers occurs.

• Weekly Lawn Maintenance Requirements shall include:

(1) Mowing

i. All grass areas within fenced building compound. This area consists of approximate 8.2 acres inclusive of building and roadway areas.

ii. A strip five feet wide along outside edge of building compound fence.

iii. A strip five feet wide or the distance from the access road to the bottom of the drainage ditch along both shoulders of site access road between compound gate and state public road.

iv. The area extending ten feet out from the sewage disposal building and sand leaching bed.

v. An area extending ten feet out from the microwave building and five feet from each edge of the road leading to the microwave building

vi. The area extending at least ten feet around the guardhouse and visitor parking area.

vii. The area extending at least ten feet around the sign at the entrance.

(2) Sidewalks and Compound Edging/Trimming

i. Sidewalks and all roadways and parking lots inside the fenced compound and the visitors parking area by the guardhouse, shall be edged/trimmed in conjunction with weekly mowing activities.

Sidewalk edges shall be edged to a depth of 1-1/2" below surface grade.

ii. Contractor shall edge/trim around all buildings, light posts and other appurtenances, e.g., hydrants, building skirts, etc. during each weekly mowing activity.

iii. Sidewalks and other designated areas shall be cleaned of grass clippings or lawn debris each time the grass is cut. No tire marks on sidewalks from lawn care tractors or mowers are permissible. All marks are to be removed by contractor prior to departing the work site.

Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services

iv. Sidewalk cracks; concrete patios and any area that has grass and/or weeds growing up through it may be sprayed with the herbicide. The debris will be removed on a weekly basis.

C.3.2.3 Access Road Trimming

• Contractor shall edge/trim along the entrance access road to remove any overgrowth on the asphalt three times a year during the growth season from 1 March to the last week in November.

• Contractor shall perform initial edging in March and final activity at the time of the last mowing in November.

• Contractor shall remove and dispose of all silage to ensure aesthetic appearance along the entrance road.

C.3.2.4 Compound Fence line

• The grass under the fence around the inner compound will be trimmed each time that the compound grass is cut. Use of herbicide is permissible along the fence line provided that the control area does not exceed 2.5 inches into the compound perimeter.

• The outer compound fence line shall be trimmed three times per year. Use of herbicide is permissible along the fence line provided that the control area does not exceed 2.5 inches into the compound perimeter nor extend more than 6 inches beyond the outer fence perimeter.

C.3.2.5 Hedges & Shrubs

Hedges and shrubs shall be trimmed and maintained for symmetrical appearance. Trimming shall be done on a 90 day interval during the performance period of each contract year. Maintenance shall be performed in the months of April, July, and October.

C.3.2.6 Planters with Borders

Planters with borders shall be kept clean of all weeds and grass. In order to accomplish this task, the contractor will be permitted to use pre-approved herbicide. (Roundup or the Generic). The contractor will be responsible for replacing any plant material destroyed by the herbicide. The contractor shall replace with the same type and size of any of the destroyed material. Unwanted growth and material shall be removed each time the 1awn is mowed. Areas without borders shall be checked each time the lawn is mowed. Grass or weeds in these areas shall be removed and the cover material raked to maintain the definition of the area.

Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services

C.3.2.7 Landscaping Services

Landscaping services shall include, but not be limited to, the provision of vegetation (flora, bushes, shrubs, trees, etc.) and bed materials (stone, mulch, straw, etc.), design, ground excavation and implementation of the design.

Contractor shall provide all materials and labor for each task unless GFE materials are specified and provided for the specific task.

Landscaping activities shall commence with a concept requirement provided by the Station to the contractor. Contractor will evaluate the concept and provide recommendations based on current conditions, selection of materials, and maintenance requirements. Once a final design concept is agreed upon by the station and Contractor, the contractor will prepare a quote for implementing the design to include all materials and labor.

The station shall submit a formal requisition to the Contracting Officer for award of the specific task order associated with the landscaping activity, whereby, the Contracting Officer shall implement the award and formal Notice to Proceed to the Contractor.

C.4 SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT

C.4.1 The Contractor shall furnish all equipment, materials and supplies required for performance of the required work. Mowing will be done in a manner proposed by the Contractor and approved by the COR. Flail or bush hog type mowers shall be used to provide the most effective control of the grasses and bushes.

C.4.2 It is noted that small portions of the areas to be mowed are low and may be inundated for part of the growing period. The number of tractors, mowers and auxiliary equipment shall be adequate to provide the services required. The Contractor is required to maintain equipment to minimize downtime.

C.4.3 The station has trial tested equipment for the preparation and maintenance of fire lanes. Acceptable finished surfaces were achieved using a Wil-Rich field cultivator employing chisel tip plow implements and tine harrow rods.

Preliminary trials indicated that this type of equipment suitable for the maintenance/upkeep of prepared fire lane surfaces, however, initial preparation of the lane surfaces will require a disk operation to remove existing vegetation growth.

Equipment proposed by the Contractor must provide similar or superior results subject to acceptability by the COR.

C.4.4 All herbicide chemicals shall be pre-approved by the station COR. Contractors will provide MSDS data sheets for all proposed herbicides to the COR for approval.

1. Herbicides shall have non-selective and systemic action characteristics with

Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services formulas specifically designed to control woody growth such as bushes and shrubs.

2. Herbicides containing atrazine or PCB concentrations are NOT acceptable.

3. All herbicides must fully comply with environmental constraints, as required by local, state and federal regulations.

4. Pre-approved products include glyphosate based, post emergent, broad spectrum, non-selective, water soluble herbicides such as:

• Tenkoz – Buccaneer Plus

* Monsanto – Roundup,-Pro Max, RT3

C.4.5 The Government is not responsible for any damage to the Contractors equipment or injuries to the Contractors personnel. The Contractor will be held responsible for all loss or damage to Government property arising out of the performance of this contract and will be required to reimburse the Government immediately for such losses or damages.

C.4.6 In accordance to the station RF Safety Plan, the station will provide the Contractor with RF Safety Monitors for Contractor’s personnel while performing duties within the antenna field at the B-Site location. The Contractor will sign for the RF monitors and return to the station safety office upon completion of maintenance activities at the Site. The Contractor shall be responsible for the safe keeping of the RF Monitors while in his/her possession and shall be liable for loss or damage to the monitors.

C.4.7 The Contractor shall be allowed to store minimal quantities of fuel on-site to meet requirements for uninterrupted task operation. Contractor shall adhere to the following guidelines with respect to storage and staging of fuel supplies.

C.4.7.1 The designated primary fuel storage areas are within the graveled pole yard areas as cited in Paragraph C.3.2.3 above. Alternate locations may be temporarily arranged through the Station COR.

C.4.7.2 All fuel must be contained in DOT/EPA rated containers to ensure safe transport and storage.

C.4.7.3 Storage quantities shall be “Limited” and as necessary to ensure uninterrupted service within the immediate work activity.

C.4.7.4 Storage period shall be restricted to ‘Short-term’ and shall be allowed only during periods where work activities are being performed at the location.

C.5 CONTRACTOR RELATIONSHIP TO THE AGENCY

The Contractor is an independent business. The Contractor is expected to conduct day-to-day routine

Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services business with the COR, who is responsible for inspection and acceptance of the Contractors work in compliance with the requirements specified in the Statement of Work (SOW). Thus, the extent and character of the work to be performed by the Contractor shall be subject to the general direction, control and acceptance of the COR.

C.6 CONTRACTOR'S PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS

C.6.1 All personnel assigned by the Contractor to perform the work called for herein shall:

1. Be subject to prior approval by the Agency with respect to competence, physical condition and experience.

2. Be physically able to perform their assigned duties.

C.6.2 The Government reserves the right to deny access to the Greenville Transmitting Station to any employee performing services under this contract whose conduct is considered to be contrary to the BBG, public interest or the national security.

C.7 SCHEDULING OF WORK

C.7.1 Except as otherwise specified by the COR, work may be performed at any time of day, rain or shine, at the discretion and/or convenience of the Contractor. The Contractor will coordinate all work activities with the COR.

C.7.2 Contractor personnel will observe all BBG security, safety and operational requirements as directed by the COR, including access to designated areas, parking of vehicles, use of sanitary facilities and site check-in and check-out procedures.

C.7.3 The Contractor shall maintain a work log for each day that work is performed. Data to be recorded shall include equipment on site, number of persons working and actual work performed. Progress records will be submitted to the COR on a weekly basis during the performance phases of the contract. COR will maintain current file, review contractor’s submittals of invoices, and approve all payment activities. All records are subject to review by the Contracting Officer as necessary. This procedure is to ensure an accurate record of work progress on which to base percentage of work completed for partial payments and other reporting requirements.

C.8 SAFETY AND HEALTH

C.8.1 The Contractor shall comply with such health, safety, fire protection and reporting requirements as may be prescribed by the COR or federal or state regulations.

C.8.2 The Contractor shall take precautions to protect all U.S. Government and utility company property from damage while performing the work. The Contractor is especially cautioned to avoid either personnel or equipment contact with overhead transmission lines, line poles, towers and tower bases, grounding or guy wires, and guy wire anchors.

C.8.3 The Contractor shall promptly report to the COR any incidents or damage to government

Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services or utility company property, no matter how slight the damage may appear, in order to judge if immediate repairs are required.

C.8.4 The Contractor shall take all steps necessary to prevent its employees from setting fires during performance of work under this contract. The Contractor shall immediately report all fires in accordance with station regulations and local laws, and shall attempt to extinguish and/or contain fires until adequate fire fighting equipment and personnel arrive.

C.8.5 The application of herbicides will be conducted in conformance with all applicable local, state and federal regulations.

C.8.6 The contractor shall comply with all requirements for Non-Ionizing Radio Frequency safety as specified in ANSI C.95.1-1999 and station policies and procedures relating to RF safety in the antenna fields. Station antenna field mowing RF safety guidelines and specifications are provided in Attachment 3.

C.9 SUPERVISION

The Contractor shall provide direct supervision adequate to ensure that the work is being performed according to the contract requirements. The Contractor's principle supervisor shall be reasonably available to the COR during the regular work hours of the COR by informing the COR where he can be reached by telephone or pager.

C.10 SUBCONTRACTING

No part of the work to be performed under this contract may be subcontracted, and no obligation or duty arising here from may be transferred or assigned, without the prior written approval of the Contracting Officer, but this prohibition against subcontracting shall not apply to contracts or orders for the purchase of materials, supplies, etc., as distinguished from the performance of the contract work.

C.11 CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS

All Contractors performing work as specified within this Statement of Work shall have a minimum of three (3) years experience in performing work directly associated large mowing and conventional ground care or professional farming/ranching activities.

Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services

Section D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 PACKAGING AND MARKING

All deliverables shall be delivered to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) identified in Section G and shall be marked as follows:

1. Name and address of the Contractor;

2. Contract Number;

3. Description of item contained therein; and

4. Consignee's name and address.

D.2 PAYMENT OF POSTAGE AND FEES

All postage and fees related to submitting information including forms, reports, etc. to the Contracting Officer or COR shall be paid by the Contractor.

Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services

Section E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

52.246-4 Inspection of Services-Fixed-Price (Aug 1996)

(a) Definition. “Services,” as used in this clause, includes services performed, workmanship, and material furnished or utilized in the performance of services.

(b) The Contractor shall provide and maintain an inspection system acceptable to the Government covering the services under this contract. Complete records of all inspection work performed by the Contractor shall be maintained and made available to the Government during contract performance and for as long afterwards as the contract requires.

(c) The Government has the right to inspect and test all services called for by the contract, to the extent practicable at all times and places during the term of the contract. The Government shall perform inspections and tests in a manner that will not unduly delay the work.

(d)If the Government performs inspections or tests on the premises of the Contractor or a subcontractor, the Contractor shall furnish, and shall require subcontractors to furnish, at no increase in contract price, all reasonable facilities and assistance for the safe and convenient performance of these duties.

(e)If any of the services do not conform with contract requirements, the Government may require the Contractor to perform the services again in conformity with contract requirements, at no increase in contract amount. When the defects in services cannot be corrected by re-performance, the Government may-

(1) Require the Contractor to take necessary action to ensure that future performance conforms to contract requirements; and

(2) Reduce the contract price to reflect the reduced value of the services performed.

(f)If the Contractor fails to promptly perform the services again or to take the necessary action to ensure future performance in conformity with contract requirements, the Government may-

(1) By contract or otherwise, perform the services and charge to the Contractor any cost incurred by the Government that is directly related to the performance of such service; or

(2) Terminate the contract for default.

(End of clause)

Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services

Section F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The performance period of this contract is from date of award and continuing for approximately 9 months, with four (4) option periods of one year each, as follows:

Base Period: March 15, 2023 through December 31, 2023 Option Period One: January 01, 2024 through December 31, 2024 Option Period Two: January 01, 2025 through December 31, 2025 Option Period Three: January 01, 2026 through December 31, 2026 Option Period Four: January 01, 2027 through December 31, 2027

Option periods may be exercised in accordance with FAR Clause 52.217-9 entitled "Option to Extend the Term of the Contract."

F.2 OBSERVANCE OF LEGAL HOLIDAYS AND DAYS OF GOVERNMENT CLOSURE –

ONSITE CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEES

Recognized Holidays: The Government will be closed on the following holidays:

New Year’s Day Labor Day

Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Columbus Day

Presidents Day Veterans Day

Memorial Day

Juneteenth Thanksgiving Day

Independence Day Christmas Day

When a holiday falls on a non-workday -- Saturday or Sunday -- the holiday is typically observed on Monday (if the holiday falls on Sunday) or Friday (if the holiday falls on Saturday). Unless otherwise specified, the contractor is to observe the Federal holidays as set forth above.

Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services

Section G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE

The Contracting Officer will appoint by letter a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) who will have the responsibility of ensuring that the work confirms to the requirements of the contract and such other responsibilities and authorities as may be specified in the letter of authorization or in this contract. It is understood and agreed, in particular, that the COR shall not have the authority to make changes to the scope or terms and conditions of the contract unless and only to the extent that such authority is specified in the letter of authorization or in the contract.

THE CONTRACTOR IS HEREBY FOREWARNED THAT, THE CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

CANNOT MAKE ANY CHANGES TO THE CONTRACT WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN AUTHORITY FROM THE

CONTRACTING OFFICER. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL BE HELD FULLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CHANGES NOT AUTHORIZED IN ADVANCE IN WRITING BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER. THE CONTRACTOR MAY BE DENIED COMPENSATION OR OTHER RELIEF FOR ANY ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED THAT IS NOT AUTHORIZED IN ADVANCE IN WRITING BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER. THE CONTRACTOR MAY ALSO BE REQUIRED, AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO THE GOVERNMENT, TO TAKE ALL CORRECTIVE ACTIONS NECESSITATED BY REASON OF ANY UNAUTHORIZED CHANGES PERFORMED BY THE CONTRACTOR WITHOUT SPECIFIC ADVANCE WRITTEN

AUTHORIZATION FROM THE CONTRACTING OFFICER.

The COR, is responsible for the program related activities, including reporting, communications. The COR contact information is:

Name: Thomas Moore, Transmitting Station Manager

E-mail: tmoore@usagm.gov

Phone: (202) 382-8501

G.2 CONTRACTING OFFICER

The CO has the overall responsibility for administration of the contract. The CO, without right of delegation, is the only authorized individual to take actions on behalf of the Government to amend, modify or deviate from the contract terms, conditions, requirements, specifications, details and/or delivery schedules. Unless otherwise delegated, only the designated CO has oversight of the contract as a whole. The CO for this contract is:

Name: Tisa Harvin, Contracting Officer

Address: Office of Management Services/ Contracts

The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM)

330 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20237

E-mail: tharvin@usagm.gov

Phone: (202) 920-2307

Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services

G.3 CONTRACT SPECIALIST

All communications pertaining to contractual and/or administrative matters under this contract shall be sent to the Contract Specialist:

Name: Crystina Lopez, Contract Specialist (contractor)

E-mail: crystinalopez@usagm.gov

Phone: (646) 320-1713

G.4 CONTRACTOR POINT OF CONTACT

Contractor’s Contract Administrator

In the event your firm receives a contract as a result of this solicitation, designate a person whom the Government may contact during the period of the contract for prompt contract administration.

Name: TBD

Address: TBD

Phone: TBD

E-mail: TBD

Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

RESERVED

Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSES

52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items. (Dec 2022), is incorporated by reference (see SF- 1449, Block 27A)

52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Items (Dec 2022)

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

(1) 52.203-19, Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) (section 743 of Division E, Title VII, of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113-235) and its successor provisions in subsequent appropriations acts (and as extended in continuing resolutions)).

(2) 52.204-23, Prohibition on Contracting for Hardware, Software, and Services Developed or Provided by Kaspersky Lab and Other Covered Entities (Nov 2021) (Section 1634 of Pub. L. 115-91).

(3) 52.204-25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment. (Nov 2021) (Section 889(a)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 115-232).

(4) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Nov 2015).

(5) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (Aug 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553).

(6) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Oct 2004) (Public Laws 108-77 and 108-78 (19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).

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

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.]

_X (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (June 2020), with Alternate I (Oct 1995) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402).

_X (2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (Nov 2021) (41 U.S.C. 3509)).

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

_X (4) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Jun 2020) (Pub. L. 109-282) ( 31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

__ (5) [Reserved].

_X (6) 52.204-14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (Oct 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_203_19 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_23 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_25 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_209_10 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_233_3 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_233_4 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_203_6 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_203_13 http://uscode.house.gov/browse.xhtml;jsessionid=114A3287C7B3359E597506A31FC855B3 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_203_15 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_10 http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title31-section6101&num=0&edition=prelim https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-52#FAR_52_204_14

Antenna Field Mowing and Grounds Maintenance Services

__ (7) 52.204-15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (Oct 2016) (Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Div. C).

_X (8) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (Nov 2021) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

_X (9) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Oct 2018) (41 U.S.C. 2313).

__ (10) [Reserved].

__ (11) (i) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole-Source Award (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-3.

__ (12) (i) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (Oct 2022) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-4.

__ (13) [Reserved]

__ (14) (i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-6.

__ (15) (i) 52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (Nov 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-7.

__ (16) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)).

__ (17) (i) 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)).

__ (ii) Alternate I (Nov 2016) of 52.219-9.

__ (iii) Alternate II (Nov 2016) of 52.219-9.

__ (iv) Alternate III (Jun 2020) of 52.219-9.

__ (v) Alternate IV (Sep 2021) of 52.219-9

__ (18) (i) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (Mar 2020) (15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

(ii) Alternate I (Mar 2020) of 52.219-13.

__ (19) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C. 637(a)(14)).

__ (20) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages-Subcontracting Plan (Sep 2021) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)(F)(i)).

_ (21) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C. 657f).

__ (22) (i) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Representation (Oct 2022) (15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)).

(ii) Alternate I (MAR 2020) of 52.219-28.

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