W911SA25QA073 Attachment 01 - PWS.docx

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

Version 2.2; 03 June 2024

MO001 GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

PART 1

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. General: This is a non-personal services contract to provide grounds maintenance services as defined in this Performance Work Statement (PWS) at Army Reserve facility MO001 located at 1200 Westover Road Belton, MO 64012. The Government will not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn is responsible to the Government.

1.1 Description of Services/Introduction: The Contractor shall provide all personnel, labor, equipment, supplies, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform grounds maintenance services as defined in the Performance Work Statement except for those items specified as government furnished property and services. The contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract.

1.2 Background: The 88th Army Reserve Readiness Division (RD) was established and sited in 2009 at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. The command supports approximately 50,000 Soldiers in 19 states to provide exceptional base operations support for Soldiers in the Northwest region.

1.3 Objectives: The objective of this contract is for the contractor to perform necessary grounds maintenance services in a manner that will maintain satisfactory lawn, tree, shrub, and other exterior flora in a condition that presents a clean, neat, and professional appearance as defined in the Performance Work Statement.

1.4 Scope: The Contractor shall be responsible for performing lawn maintenance, aeration, fertilization, weed control, and general spring and fall cleanup. The contractor shall perform to the standards and specifications outlined in the PWS. Note that any drawings or maps provided to the Contractor, either before or after the contract is awarded, are for reference purposes only and may not be to scale. Any square footage, or other measurement provided, may be an approximation. It is the sole responsibility of the Contractor to determine or verify the actual site conditions and measurements.

0. Period of Performance: The period of performance shall be for one (1) Base Period and four (4) 12-month option periods with an option to extend services for up to six (6) months. Active performance periods of eight (8) months are from April through November of each year. Non-active performance period will be from December through March of each year. Exception: Spring clean-up may be performed two (2) weeks prior to the start of the active performance period and Fall clean-up may be completed two (2) weeks after the end of the active performance period.

1.6 General Information:

1.6.1 Quality Control: Quality Control is the responsibility of the contractor. The contractor is responsible for the delivery of quality services/supplies to the Government (see FAR 52.212-4, Contractor Inspection Requirements). A formal Quality Control Plan (QCP) is not required for this commercial service. However, the contractor shall maintain an inspection system commensurate with commercial practices to ensure the Contractor only tenders for acceptance those items or services that conform to the requirements of this contract.

1.6.2 Quality Assurance: The Contracting Officer Representative (COR) will evaluate the contractor’s performance under this contract in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). This plan is a Government only document focused on what the COR must do to assure that the contractor has performed in accordance with the performance requirements within this PWS.

1.6.2.1 Non-conforming Services: Corrective Action Requests (CARs) (formerly Nonconformance Reports) are used for managing contractual nonconformances on Army Contracting Command (ACC) administered contracts. Nonconformance occurs when a contractor fails to meet contract or task order terms, conditions and/or specifications. The COR will notify the contractor each time an unacceptable observation has been recorded and ask the contractor to correct the problem or re-accomplish the service. Resolution of nonconformance discovered at the subcontractor level shall be addressed with the prime contractor. CARs are issued, overseen and closed IAW ACC Acquisition Instruction (AI) and FAR subpart 46.407 nonconforming supplies or services.

1.6.2.1.1 Level I: A Level I CAR describes a deficiency on a product or service and is not a systemic breakdown of a process or system. It includes those nonconformances that are minor in nature and can be promptly corrected by the contractor, present no need for root cause analysis, no determination if other contract requirements are affected, present no need for further preventive action, and do not materially reduce the usability of the supplies, services, construction, or deliverables. While the Government must document the nonconformance and the contractor must correct the nonconformance, further actions and Government follow-up are not required, and no written response from the contractor is needed. Level I CARs are considered closed immediately upon issuance.

1.6.2.1.2 Level II: A Level II CAR describes deficiencies in a contractor’s processes or systems but are not significant deficiencies. Level II CARs shall require the contractor to correct the nonconformance, perform root cause, and develop and provide a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) acceptable to the government. Some examples of systems affected may be quality inspection/management systems, and Contractor Business Systems (CBS) identified in DFARS 242.70, or issues such as:

1.6.2.1.3 Level III: A Level III CAR describes deficiencies in a contractor’s system that is affecting a contract’s or program’s ability to meet cost, schedule or performance requirements, or are:

NOTE: If not resolved satisfactorily, a Level III CAR may result in the initiation of available contractual remedies, such as reductions of payments, cost disallowances, revocation of government assumption of risk of loss, or business management system disapprovals, etc.

1.6.2.1.4 Level IV: A Level IV CAR documents a critical nonconformance of such serious nature that is issued to the contractor’s business segment or corporate management for their attention to both the nonconforming condition and the company’s corrective action, or when a Level III CAR has been ineffective. A Level IV CAR will result in a mandatory review of available contractual remedies, such as cost disallowance, reduction or suspension of payments, revocation of government assumption of risk of loss, CBS disapproval, or suspension of all product and service acceptance activities. Contractual remedies will be implemented IAW applicable FAR/DFARS clauses and/or ACC Acquisition Instructions if applicable. Action to suspend product or service acceptance will be accomplished via a Level IV CAR. The contractor shall be required to provide a CAP that is acceptable to the government.

Overarching CAR Process Flow. The following outlines the normal process flow for the corrective action process. Follow the steps provided within the Product Data Reporting and Evaluation Program (PDREP) CAR Module User Guide.

NOTE: Steps in subparagraphs (f)-(j) below do not apply to Level I CARs as they are considered closed immediately upon issuance.

a. Identify a contract nonconformance.

b. Create a CAR.

c. Review the CAR.

d. Coordinate and approve the CAR.

e. Issue the CAR to the contractor.

f. Receive and review the contractor’s CAP.

g. Accept/reject the contractor’s CAP.

h. Oversee contractor corrective action using a risk-based approach.

i. Receive notification from the contractor that corrective action is accomplished.

j. Verify corrective action was accomplished satisfactorily.

k. Close the CAR.

1.6.2.2 The contractor will be notified of Government inspection results within 5 business days. The contractor shall acknowledge receipt of the inspection results via email or letter within 2 business days. The contractor may be notified of inspection results verbally or via email. Verbal notifications of defective work will be confirmed in writing. When Government inspectors are unable to contact the contractor to notify the contractor of inspection results, acceptance or rejection of work will be made based on the initial inspection.

1.6.3 Performance Evaluation Meetings: The Contractor Point of Contact (POC) shall meet with the COR prior to start of the contract. However, meetings may be held whenever deficiencies are noted by the COR. A mutual effort shall be made to resolve all problems identified.

1.6.4 Federal Government Holidays: Except as noted in the Schedule of Work, work shall not be performed on the following holidays or on holidays observed in lieu thereof. When required services occur on holidays, work will be performed on either the previous or following workday, unless specified otherwise.

1.6.5 Unforeseen Installation Closures: When the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar Government directed facility closing; the Contractor will be notified by the COR of an installation closure. When an unforeseen installation closure occurs on a regularly scheduled day of work, the Government shall have the following options: (1) To require the Contractor to perform the work on the following day unless the following day is a Saturday or Sunday, and routine work is not scheduled for Saturday or Sunday, (2) To reschedule the work on any day satisfactory to both parties. In the event that the services cannot be satisfactorily rescheduled in an acceptable timeframe the Contractor will not be reimbursed when the Government facility is closed for the above reasons.

1.6.6 Hours of Operation: The Contractor shall normally perform work during normal duty hours, 7:30a.m. to 4:00p.m. Periodic work, such as tree pruning and Spring/Fall cleanup may be performed other than normal duty hours. Arrangements for work performed during other than normal duty hours shall be made with the COR or Designated Representative (DR).

1.6.7 Workforce: The Contractor must always maintain an adequate workforce for the uninterrupted performance of all tasks defined within this PWS. When hiring personnel, the Contractor shall keep in mind that the stability and continuity of the workforce are essential.

1.6.8 Key Control: The Contractor shall establish and implement methods of ensuring that all keys issued to the Contractor by the Government are not lost, or misplaced, and are not used by unauthorized persons. No keys issued to the Contractor by the Government shall be duplicated. NOTE: All references to keys include key cards.

1.6.8.1 In the event keys, other than master keys, are lost or duplicated, the Contractor shall, upon direction of the KO, re-key or replace the affected lock or locks; however, the Government, at its option, may replace the affected lock or locks or perform re-keying. When the replacement of locks or re-keying is performed by the Government, the total cost of re-keying or the replacement of the lock or locks shall be deducted from the monthly payment due the Contractor. In the event a master key is lost or duplicated, all locks and keys for that system shall be replaced by the Government and the total cost deducted from the monthly payment due the Contractor.

1.6.8.2 The Contractor may be required to replace, re-key or reimburse the Government for replacement of locks or re-keying as a result of Contractor losing keys. In the event a master key is lost or duplicated, all locks and keys for that system shall be replaced by the Government and the total cost deducted from the monthly payment due.

1.6.8.3 The Contractor shall report the occurrences of a lost key immediately to the COR no later than the next business day.

1.6.8.4 It is the responsibility of the Contractor to prohibit the use of keys issued by the Government by any persons other than the Contractor’s employees. It is also the responsibility of the Contractor to prohibit the opening of locked areas by the Contractor’s employees to permit entrance of persons other than Contractor’s employees engaged in the performance of assigned work in those areas.

1.6.8.5 Lock Combinations; the Contractor shall establish and implement methods of ensuring that all lock combinations are not revealed to unauthorized persons. The Contractor shall ensure that lock combinations are changed when personnel having access to the combinations no longer have a need to know such combinations.

1.6.9 Conservation of Utilities: The Contractor shall be directly responsible for instructing employees in utilities conservation practices. The Contractor shall be responsible for operating under conditions, which preclude the waste of utilities, which shall include but shall not necessarily be limited to:

1.6.9.1 Lights shall be used only in areas where and at the time when work is actually being performed.

1.6.9.2 Mechanical equipment controls for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems shall not be adjusted by contracted workers.

1.6.9.3 Water faucets or valves shall be turned off after the required usage has been accomplished.

1.6.9.4 Government telephones shall be used by Contractor employees only for emergencies.

1.6.10 Damages Caused by the Contractor: The Contractor shall be held accountable and liable to the Government for any damages to Government facilities, furnishings, equipment or grounds caused by the Contractor or his employees. The Contractor shall instruct his employees to immediately inform the building manager or DR of any damages to property resulting from the performance of their duties.

1.6.11 Parking for Contractor’s Employees & Contractor Vehicles: Contractor employees shall park their personal and Contractor’s vehicles during the times and in the area designated by the COR or DR.

1.6.12 Circumstances to Be Reported: The Contractor or the Contractor’s employees shall report any circumstances of needed repair of the facility or unusual soiling of an area which may affect the performance of the work, present unhealthy or hazardous conditions, or create any delays or interference with the work caused by the employees of the Government. Such report shall be made immediately upon discovery by the Contractor to the COR or DR.

1.6.13 Hazardous Materials: The Contractor shall maintain onsite and have readily available an inventory listing of all hazardous materials used onsite. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) will be maintained and readily available for any chemicals or hazardous materials used onsite. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to properly train his personnel on the existence and safe use and storage of chemicals and hazardous materials.

1.6.14 Loss of Contractor Property: If applicable, the Contractor shall be responsible to retain supplies and equipment within each building, in a safe and secure manner. Storage rooms shall be kept clean. The Government will not be held liable for any loss of supplies or equipment owned by the Contractor; nor the loss of any personal property belonging to employees of the Contractor.

1.6.15 Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings: The Contractor agrees to attend any post award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 42.5, Post Award Orientation. The Contracting Officer, COR, and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the contractor to review the contractor's performance. At these meetings the Contracting Officer, COR, or DR will apprise the contractor of how the government views the Contractor's performance and the contractor will apprise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the Government.

1.6.16 Contracting Officer Representative (COR): The COR will be identified by a separate letter and in the Supplemental Information of the contract. The COR monitors all technical aspects of the contract and assists in contract administration. The COR is authorized to perform the following functions: assure that the Contractor performs the technical requirements of the contract; perform inspections necessary in connection with contract performance; maintain written and oral communications with the Contractor concerning technical aspects of the contract; issue written interpretations of technical requirements, including Government drawings, designs, and specifications; monitor Contractor's performance and notify both the Contracting Officer and Contractor of any deficiencies; coordinate availability of Government furnished property. A letter of designation issued to the COR, a copy of which is sent to the Contractor, states the responsibilities and limitations of the COR, especially with regard to changes in cost or price, estimates or changes in delivery dates. The COR is not authorized to change any of the terms and conditions of the resulting order.

1.6.17 Key Personnel: The following personnel are considered key personnel by the government: designated Point Of Contact (POC) and an alternate Point of Contact: The Contractor shall provide a designated POC who shall be responsible for the competent performance of the work required under the specifications of this contract NLT 5 business days after contract award and as changes occur. The name and contact information of the POC and an alternate, who shall act for the contractor when the POC is absent, shall be designated in writing to the COR. The POC or alternate shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The POC or alternate shall be available between 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday except Federal holidays or when the government facility is closed for administrative reasons. The POC(s) and alternates shall be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.

1.6.17.1 The POC shall meet with COR to discuss immediate problems areas. The POC shall respond by phone or email to the COR within two (2) hours after notification of deficiencies and correct the deficiency(s) the next business day. The Contractor shall provide the telephone number and email of the POC to the COR.

1.6.18 Identification of Contractor Employees: The Contractor (to include subcontractors) shall provide each employee an Identification (ID) Badge, which includes at a minimum, the Company Name, Employee Name and a recent color photo of the employee, prior to them entering Government facilities. ID Badges for Key Personnel shall also indicate their job title. ID Badges shall be worn at all times during which the employee is performing work under this contract. Each Contractor (to include subcontractors) employee shall wear the ID Badge in a conspicuous place on the front of exterior clothing and above the waist except when safety or health reasons prohibit. The Contractor (to include subcontractors) shall be responsible for collection of ID Badges upon completion of the contract or termination of employee. A listing of issued identification cards shall be furnished to the COR prior to the listed employees entering Government facilities and updated as needed to reflect Contractor and Subcontractor personnel changes. All contract personnel attending meetings, answering Government telephones, and working in other situations where their Contractor status is not obvious to third parties are required to identify themselves as such to avoid creating an impression in the minds of members of the public that they are Government officials. They must also ensure that all documents or reports produced by contractors are suitably marked as contractor products or that contractor participation is appropriately disclosed.

1.6.18.1 A listing of issued identification cards shall be furnished to the COR prior to the listed employees entering Government facilities and updated as needed to reflect Contractor and Subcontractor personnel changes.

1.6.18.2 All contract personnel attending meetings, answering Government telephones, and working in other situations where their contractor status is not obvious to third parties are required to identify themselves as such to avoid creating an impression in the minds of members of the public that they are Government officials. They must also ensure that all documents or reports produced by contractors are suitably marked as contractor products or that contractor participation is appropriately disclosed.

1.6.19 Supervision of Contractor Employees: The Government will not exercise any supervision or control over Contractor or subcontractor employees while performing work under the contract. Such employees shall be accountable solely to the Contractor, not the Government. The Contractor, in turn, shall be accountable to the Government for Contractor or Subcontractor employees.

1.7 Antiterrorism (AT) and Operations Security (OPSEC).

1.7.1 AT Level I Training. All contractor employees, to include subcontractor employees, requiring access to Army installations, facilities and controlled access areas shall complete AT Level I awareness training within 30 calendar days after contract start date, new employee hire, or effective date of incorporation of this requirement into the contract, whichever is applicable. The contractor shall submit certificates of completion for each affected contractor employee and subcontractor employee, to the COR or to the contracting officer, if a COR is not assigned, within 60 calendar days after completion of training by all employees and subcontractor personnel. AT level I awareness training is available at the following website: http://jko.jten.mil.

1.7.1.1. OPSEC Level I Training. Per Army Regulation 530-1, Operations Security, all contractor employees, to include subcontractor employees, requiring access to `Army installations, facilities and controlled access areas shall complete Level I OPSEC Awareness training. New employees must be trained within 30 calendar days after contract start date, new employee hire, or effective date of incorporation of this requirement into the contract, whichever is applicable. The contractor shall submit certificates of completion for each affected contractor employee and subcontractor employee, to the COR or to the contracting officer, if a COR is not assigned, within 60 calendar days after completion of training by all employees and subcontractor personnel. OPSEC Awareness for Military Members, DOD Employees and Contractors is available through the Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) at the following website: https://www.cdse.edu/Training/eLearning/GS130/.

1.7.2. Access and general protection/policy and procedures. The contractor and all associated sub-contractor employees shall provide all information required for background checks necessary to meet installation access requirements. These checks will be accomplished by the installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services or Security Office. The contractor and all associated sub-contractors shall obtain background checks when unescorted access is required for employees without a CAC and associated background investigation. Contractor workforce must comply with all personal identity verification requirements (FAR clause 52.204-9, Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel) as directed by DOD, HQDA and/or local policy. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes clause of this contract, should the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) at any individual facility or installation change, the Government may require changes in contractor security matters or processes. Contractor employees who will be entering Army-controlled installations or facilities and who do not possess a valid CAC, including subcontractor employees, will provide a valid and original form of ID (State driver’s license, passport, and so forth, which complies with Public Law 109-13 (The REAL ID Act of 2005) and Army Regulation 190-13 (The Army Physical Security Program)). This is to prove identity (for enrollment into the automated installation entry (AIE) database if available) and issue a visitor pass or card. Security personnel processing an applicant will screen documents for evidence of tampering, counterfeiting, or other alteration. Non-CAC-holder Contractors and vendors requiring physical access to a single Army installation or facility, but who do not require access to a DOD computer network, will have a Government-employee sponsor to provide the contractual agreement with a cover memorandum signed by a verifying officer vouching for the need for long-term access to the installation. The expiration date of the issued card will be the end date of the contract or visit, or the expiration date of the sponsor’s access control card, whichever occurs first. Sponsors will be held responsible for notifying the DES (or appropriate local installation access issuing office) of terminated contract employees and for turn in of expired or revoked ID. Contractors will be processed through the Contractor Verification System for issuance of a CAC, if physical access to multiple Army installations and/or access to a DOD computer network is required. Non-CAC-eligible contractors will be issued local access ID that will only be used for physical access onto the single installation or facility where it is issued. Commanders and directors will use a locally produced, temporary issue, local access ID system pass with expiration date, or a pass issued by AIE or the Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS), if available.

1.7.3 iWATCH Training. All Contractor employees, including subcontractor employees, to be briefed on the local iWATCH program (training standards provided by the requiring activity Anti-terrorism Officer (ATO). This local developed training will be used to inform employees of the types of behavior to watch for and instruct employees to report suspicious activity to the COR. This training to be completed within 30 calendar days of Award and within 30 calendar days of new employees commencing performance with the results reported to the COR no later than 60 calendar days after Award. https://www.mepcom.army.mil/Home/Contractors/

1.7.4 Activity Regulations for Contractor Access and Use of Premises

1. Follow all current Army Security Regulations concerning strict visitor control and preservation of all Government assets. Immediately report all security concerns to the COR, who will notify the Security Office.

2. The Contractor shall adhere to requirements as directed in Federal Acquisition Regulation – 52.222-54; Employment Eligibility Verification. Contractors shall be enrolled in the Department of Homeland Security E-Verify Program. Information on registration for and use of the E-Verify program can be obtained via the Internet at the Department of Homeland Security Web site: http://www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.

3. The Contractor shall ensure that its employees entering Army-controlled installations or facilities have obtained access badges and passes in accordance with facility regulations and that these badges and passes are obtained in advance so as not to delay the accomplishment of contracted services.

4. The Contractor shall comply with all personnel identity verification procedures. Employees must be accompanied by an authorized Government employee at all times while providing services in secure areas.

5. During Force Protection Conditions (FPCON) Charlie and Delta, services are discontinued and services shall resume when the FPCON level is reduced to level Bravo or lower.

1.7.5 Lost and Found Property: It is the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure that all items of possible personal or monetary value found by the Contractor’s employees are turned into the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) or DR.

PART 2

DEFINITIONS & ACRONYMS

2. Definitions and Acronyms:

2.1 Definitions: As used throughout this PWS, the following terms shall have the meaning set forth below:

2.1.1 Business Day: Shall mean any day banking transactions can be conducted in New York City, NY, USA and does not include any day which is a federal or state holiday in such location.

2.1.2 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.

2.1.3 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.

2.1.4 Contracting Officer (KO). A person with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts, and make related determinations and findings on behalf of the government. Note: The KO is the only individual who can legally bind the Government.

2.1.5 Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). An employee of the U.S. Government appointed by the KO 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. Note: This individual does NOT have authority to change the terms and conditions of the contract.

2.1.6 Cultivated Areas. Any area of earth within the boundaries of the facility that has been improved or intentionally planted such as: mulched areas, flower beds, hedge rows, or parking lot green spaces.

2.1.7 Defective Service. A service output that does not meet the standard of performance associated with the PWS.

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

2.1.9 Designated Representative. A Government employee performing duties in the position of Facility Coordinator (FC) or Acting Facility Coordinator or otherwise approved by the COR to assist the COR with duties such as coordinating schedules with Contractors to perform work at a facility, provide facility access to Contractors, and perform inspection of Contractor’s work and provide results of their inspections back to the COR, both orally and in writing. A Designated Representative does not have the authority to assign work to Contractors or discuss Contractor performance issues; but may discuss these issues with the COR for potential further action. The only individuals with the authority to discuss Contractor performance issues are warranted Contracting Officers and Contracting Officer Representatives specifically delegated this authority by a warranted KO via an appointment letter.

2.1.10 Government-Furnished Property (GFP), Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE), or Government-Furnished Facility (GFF). Property or area in the possession of, or directly acquired by, the Government and subsequently made available to the Contractor.

2.1.11 Key Personnel. Contractor personnel that are evaluated in a source selection process and that may be required to be used in the performance of a contract by the Key Personnel listed in the PWS. When key personnel are used as an evaluation factor in best value procurement, an offer can be rejected if it does not have a firm commitment from the persons that are listed in the proposal.

2.1.12 Mechanically Remove (Vegetation). Means utilizing physical activity to remove or inhibit the growth of unwanted vegetation as described in Paragraph 5.1.3. Mechanical, or manual, vegetation control techniques manage vegetation populations through physical methods that remove, injure, kill, or make the growing conditions unfavorable. Some of these methods cause direct damage to unwanted vegetation through complete removal or causing a lethal injury. Other techniques, such as trimming to the height of desirable vegetation (generally grass or turf), may alter the growing environment by increasing the temperature of the soil and depriving the plants of carbon dioxide or oxygen. Mechanical control techniques shall be selective so as to have a minimal impact on non-targeted (desirable) vegetation.

2.1.13 Physical Security. Actions that prevent the loss or damage of Government property.

2.1.14 Policing (of Facility). Means to remove loose or wind-blown litter, debris, dead tree branches, brush, and leaves from all readily accessible grounds and parking areas.

2.1.15 Quality Assurance. The government procedures to verify that services being performed by the Contractor are acceptable in accordance with established standards and requirements of this contract.

2.1.16 Quality Assurance Specialist. An official Government representative concerned with matters pertaining to the contract administration process and quality assurance/quality control. Acts as technical advisor to the Contracting Officer in these areas.

2.1.17 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). An organized written document specifying the surveillance methodology to be used for surveillance of contractor performance.

2.1.18 Quality Control. All necessary measures taken by the Contractor to assure that the quality of an end product or service shall meet contract requirements.

2.1.19 Subcontractor. One that enters into a contract with a prime contractor. The Government does not have privity of contract with the subcontractor.

2.1.20 Work Day. The number of hours per day the Contractor provides services in accordance with the contract.

2.1.21 Work Week. Monday through Friday, except for Federal holidays unless specified otherwise.

2.2. Acronyms:

PART 3

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, AND FACILITIES

3. Government Furnished Items: There will be no Government Furnished Property (GFP), Government Furnished Equipment (GFE), or Government Furnished Facilities (GFF) provided under this contract.

PART 4

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES

4. Contractor Furnished Items: The Contractor shall furnish all personnel, labor, materials, supplies, tools, labor, equipment, transportation, supervision, and services needed to perform this contract and meet the requirements of the PWS.

4.1 Materials: The Contractor shall furnish all materials necessary to perform the tasks specified in Part 5.

4.2 Equipment & Tools: The Contractor shall furnish all equipment and tools necessary to properly perform the work defined in this contract.

4.2.1 All equipment shall have bumpers and guards to prevent marking or scratching of trees, shrubbery, fixtures, utilities, or building surfaces.

4.2.2 All electrical equipment used by the Contractor shall meet all OSHA safety requirements and shall be UL approved. This equipment must operate using existing building circuits. It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to prevent the operation or attempted operation of electrical equipment, or combinations of equipment, which require power exceeding the capacity of existing building circuits.

PART 5

SPECIFIC TASKS

5. Specific Tasks:

5.1 Scope: The Contractor shall be responsible for performing lawn maintenance, aeration, fertilization, weed control, and general spring and fall cleanup in the areas and of the lawn maintenance type identified on the drawing(s). It is anticipated that during the course of this contract there will be workload increases and decreases. Payment will only be made by the Government for services ordered, received, and accepted at the prices specified in the contract. The contractor shall perform to the standards and specifications outlined in the PWS.

5.1.1 Use of herbicides: the contractor shall not use any chemicals in the performance of this contract with the exception Paragraph 5.3.5, 5.6.1, and 5.6.2, with the prior approval of the COR through the 88th RD Pest Manager. Application shall be in accordance with DoD Manual 4150.07

5.1.2 Trimming Fence Lines: Grass, brush, weeds, and other vegetation growing within 5' (feet) of both sides of fence lines, as identified on the drawing(s), shall be maintained to a height of two 2" not to exceed five 5" (inches) above the surface or to grade if over a paved or otherwise non-grassy area. Areas that cannot be mowed shall be mechanically removed to appropriate height.

5.1.3 Unwanted Vegetation: Unwanted vegetation such as bushes, grass, or weeds growing adjacent to buildings, between cracks and joints in sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, other hard surfaces, or otherwise non-grassy area shall be mechanically removed so that the facility maintains a neat and clean appearance.

5.2 Lawn Maintenance

5.2.1 Type One (I) Lawn Maintenance

5.2.1.1 Mowing: Grass areas, including weeds and small trees or brush ½” (inch) in diameter or less, shall be maintained to a height of two 2” not to exceed five 5” (inches) above the surface of the soil free of skips, gaps, rutting, or scalping.

5.2.1.2 Edging: Vegetation around the edges of curbs, sidewalks, driveways, streets and other hard surfaces within or adjacent to the specified area shall not extend more than 2” (inches) onto the hard surface.

5.2.1.3 Trimming Around Fixed Objects: Grass, brush, weeds and other vegetation growing around or beside walls, fences, guy wires, poles, shrubs, tree trunks, foundations, fire hydrants, cultivated areas or any fixed object within the designated areas shall be maintained to the height of the specified mowing type. Areas that cannot be mowed shall be mechanically removed to appropriate height.

5.2.1.4 Trimming Fence Lines: Grass, brush, weeds and other vegetation growing within 5’ (feet) of both sides of fence lines, as identified on the drawing(s), shall be maintained to the height of the specified Mowing type or to grade if over a paved or otherwise non-grassy area. Areas that cannot be mowed shall be mechanically removed to appropriate height.

5.2.1.5 Unwanted Vegetation: Unwanted vegetation such as bushes, grass, or weeds growing adjacent to building, between cracks and joints in sidewalks, driveways or other hard surfaces shall be mechanically removed so that the grounds maintain a neat and clean appearance.

5.2.1.6 Grass Clippings: Visible grass clippings, windrows, clumps or any amount of cut grass dense enough to damage or destroy the underlying turf shall be removed after each mowing.

5.2.1.7 Trash Removal: Contractor shall ensure the area of lawn maintained is free of all visible trash and debris upon completion of lawn maintenance.

5.2.1.8 Pruning: Shrubs and vines shall be pruned as necessary to maintain growth within space limitations, to maintain or enhance the natural growth habit, or to eliminate diseased or damaged growth. Some species shall be trimmed appropriately to influence flowering and fruiting, or to improve vigor. Shrubs and vines must be trimmed as needed to permit unobstructed passage to residents or vehicles. Trimming near vehicular entry or exits shall be carried out to prevent sight restrictions. Shrubs shall be pruned to conform with the design concept of the landscape. Individual shrubs shall not be clipped into balled or boxed forms, except where specifically instructed. Vines shall be pruned to control growth and direction, and shall not be allowed to grow over windows, doors or other structural features, unless directed by the COR. Vines shall not be allowed to grow over the crowns of shrubs or trees.

5.2.2 Type Two (II) Lawn Maintenance

5.2.2.1 Mowing: Grass area, including weeds, and small trees or brush ½” (inch) in diameter or less shall be maintained to a height of 3” not to exceed 8” (inches) in height above the surface soil free of skips, gaps, rutting, or scalping.

5.2.2.2 Edging: Edges of curbs, sidewalks, driveways, streets, and other hard surfaces within or adjacent to the specified area shall be trimmed if vegetation extends more than two” (inches) onto the hard surface.

5.2.2.3 Trimming Around Fixed Objects: Grass, brush, weeds and other vegetation growing around or beside walls, fences, guy wires, poles, shrubs, tree trunks, foundations, fire hydrants, cultivated areas or any fixed object within the designated areas shall be maintained to the height of the specified mowing type. Areas that cannot be mowed shall be mechanically removed to appropriate height.

5.2.2.4 Trimming Fence Lines: Grass, brush, weeds and other vegetation growing within five 5’ (feet) of both sides of fence lines, as identified on the drawing(s), shall be maintained to the height of the specified mowing type or to grade if over a paved or otherwise non-grassy area. Areas that cannot be mowed shall be mechanically removed to appropriate height.

5.2.2.5 Unwanted Vegetation: Unwanted vegetation such as bushes, grass, or weeds growing adjacent to building, between cracks and joints in sidewalks, driveways or other hard surfaces shall be mechanically removed so that the grounds maintain a neat and clean appearance.

5.2.2.6 Grass Clippings: Visible grass clippings, windrows, clumps or any amount of cut grass dense enough to damage or destroy the underlying turf shall be removed after each mowing.

5.2.2.7 Trash Removal: Contractor shall ensure the area of lawn maintained is free of all visible trash and debris upon completion of lawn maintenance.

5.2.3 Mowing Type Three (III)

5.2.3.1 Mowing: All vegetation (i.e., trees smaller than 3.5” (inches) in diameter, bushes, cattails, grasses, weeds, vines, or other growths) shall be maintained to a height of six 6” not to exceed twelve 12” (inches) in height from the surface soil free of skips, gaps, rutting, or scalping.

5.2.3.2 Edging: Edges of curbs, sidewalks, driveways, streets, and other hard surfaces within or adjacent to the specified area shall be trimmed if vegetation extends more than 2” (inches) onto the hard surface.

5.2.3.3 Trimming Around Fixed Objects: Grass, brush, weeds and other vegetation growing around or beside walls, fences, guy wires, poles, shrubs, tree trunks, foundations, fire hydrants, cultivated areas or any fixed object within the designated areas shall be maintained to a height consistent with the specified mowing type. Areas that cannot be mowed shall be mechanically removed to appropriate height.

5.2.3.4 Trimming Fence Lines: Grass, brush, weeds, and other vegetation growing within five 5’ (feet) of both sides of fence lines, as identified on the drawing(s), shall be maintained to a height of the specified Mowing type or to grade if over a paved or otherwise non-grassy area. Areas that cannot be mowed shall be mechanically removed to appropriate height.

5.2.3.5 Unwanted Vegetation: Unwanted vegetation such as bushes, grass, or weeds growing adjacent to building, between cracks and joints in sidewalks, driveways or other hard surfaces shall be mechanically removed so that the grounds maintain a neat and clean appearance.

5.2.3.6 Grass Clippings: Visible grass clippings, windrows, clumps or any amount of cut grass dense enough to damage or destroy the underlying turf shall be removed after each mowing.

5.2.3.7 Trash Removal: Contractor shall ensure the area of lawn maintained is free of all visible trash and debris upon completion lawn of maintenance.

5.2.4 Mowing Type Four (IV)

5.2.4.1 The mowing of native grassland shall be done once per year and can ONLY occur during the period when the native plants are dormant. Depending on climate zone region, the dormant mowing period can be as long as 1 November through 15 April in the north such as Minnesota or as short as 20 November to 31 March such as in southern Kansas. Mowing occurs either in the late fall or early spring and would be determined in part by the effect the planting has on snow retention. If blowing snow is retained in the native plants minimizing accumulation in parking and sidewalk areas, then mowing should occur only in the spring. If there is no difference or snow is found to accumulate more in parking and sidewalk areas, then mowing should occur only in the fall. Mowing: All vegetation (i.e., trees smaller than 3.5” (inches) in diameter at the widest point, bushes, cattails, grasses, weeds, vines, or other growths) should be mowed short, to a height no greater than 2" (inches). Plant litter from the mowed area needs to be widely dispersed, to less than 1" (inch) in depth. This is done in an effort to avoid creating a mulch layer capable of smothering the emerging plants in spring. A flail mower is most effective, but not necessary, in accomplishing the even distribution of mowed plant litter.

5.3 Spring and Fall Clean Up: Spring Clean Up, Aeration, Fertilizer Application and Broad Leaf Control shall be started no earlier than (NET) two (2) weeks prior to the start of the active performance period; and shall be completed NLT May 1. Fall Clean Up shall be started NET the third week in the last month of the active performance period; and be completed NLT two (2) weeks after the end of the active performance period. Scheduling exceptions shall be coordinated with COR.

5.3.1 Spring and Fall Clean Up: Prune shrubs, bushes and trees according to species requirements in all Lawn Type areas. Unless directed otherwise, branches up to 8” (inches) in diameter shall be pruned to a height of not less than 7’ (feet) above grade, and shall be removed by the Contractor when fallen, dead, or broken.

5.3.2 Spring and Fall Clean Up: Remove weeds and debris from existing mulch beds, cultivated areas, and flowerbeds.

5.3.3 Spring and Fall Clean Up: Remove all litter, debris, dead tree branches, brush, and leaves from the property.

5.3.4 Aeration - Type 1 Lawn Maintenance areas only: aerate once a year in the spring prior to applying fertilizer and broad leaf control.

5.3.5 Fertilizer Application and Broad Leaf Control - Type 1 Lawn Maintenance areas only: Applied one time annually, in the Spring after aeration, provide fertilizer application and broad leaf control. The Contractor shall complete the 88th RD Universal Pest Management Application Reporting Form (see Part 7).