A.02.01RA_mowing_and_Trimming1_.pdf

Section A - Solicitation/Contract Form

SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION

SYNOPSIS / SOLICITATION:

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in subpart

12.6 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation, proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

The solicitation number for this acquisition is W912DQ19R0004 and it is being issued as a Request for Quotes

(RFQ).

The solicitation documents and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-84.

This RFQ shall be set aside for small businesses and the associated North American Industry Classification system (NAICS) code is 561730, “Landscaping Services” and the business size standard is $7,500,000.00.

Far 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors- Commercial does apply to this acquisition with no addenda to the provision and is located in Section L of this combined synopsis/solicitation.

Far 52.212-2, Evaluation - Commercial Edited does apply to this acquisition with no addenda to the provision and is located in Section M of this combined synopsis/solicitation.

FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications -- Commercial Items, does apply to this acquisition with no addenda to the provision, and is located in Section K of this combined synopsis/solicitation.

FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items, does apply to this acquisition with no addenda to the provision. These specific clauses required are located in Section I of this combined synopsis/solicitation.

FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions - Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders- Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. These specific clauses required are located in Section I of this combined synopsis/solicitation.

In accordance with FAR 52.212-1(k) the prospective awardee shall be registered and active in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR.gov). The Central Contractor Registry (CCR) has now migrated to the System for Award Management (SAM). If you were previously registered in CCR, your registration should have been moved to SAM, and you just need to open an account, see the following link for instructions.

https://www.sam.gov/sam/transcript/Quick_Guide_for_Migrating_Roles_v1.8.pdf.

If you were not previously registered, please go to https://www.sam.gov. Instructions for new registration are also located at the following link https://www.sam.gov/sam/transcript/Quick_Guide_for_Contract_Registrations_v1.7.pdf to register.

Contractors may obtain information on registration and annual confirmation requirements via the Internet at http://www.sam.gov or by calling (866) 606-8220.

If you have questions about Government procurements in general or need assistance in the preparation of your proposal, a local Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) may be able to help. The Procurement Technical Assistance Program was authorized by Congress in 1985 in an effort to expand the number of businesses capable of participating in the Government marketplace. To locate a PTAC near you, go to http://www.aptac-us.org/sam- registration/

Section B - Supplies or Services and Prices

ITEM NO SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

Base Year 2019

FFP

April 2019 throug 31 March 2020 See PWS for area, The PWS consists of overall coordination, completing paperwork, completing submissions, providing labor, providing necessary equipment and supplies, and all that is necessary for providing mowing, trimming, and other requirements as defined by contract for the areas identified within the contract documents.

FOB: Destination

NET AMT

Option Year 0ne 2020

FFP

1 April 2020 to 31 Mar 2021 See PWS, The PWS consists of overall coordination, completing paperwork, completing submissions, providing labor, providing necessary equipment and supplies, and all that is necessary for providing mowing, trimming, and other requirements as defined by contract for the areas identified within the contract documents.

Option Year two

FFP

1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022 See PWS, The PWS consists of overall coordination, completing paperwork, completing submissions, providing labor, providing necessary equipment and supplies, and all that is necessary for providing mowing, trimming, and other requirements as defined by contract for the areas

Option Year three

FFP

1 April 2022 to 31 Mar 2023 See PWS, The PWS consists of overall coordination, completing paperwork, completing submissions, providing labor, providing necessary equipment and supplies, and all that is necessary for providing mowing, trimming, and other requirements as defined by contract for the areas identified within the contract documents.

Option Year Four

FFP

1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 See PWS, The PWS consists of overall coordination, completing paperwork, completing submissions, providing labor, providing necessary equipment and supplies, and all that is necessary for providing mowing, trimming, and other requirements as defined by contract for the areas

Section C - Descriptions and Specifications

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

PEFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

RATHBUN LAKE PROJECT – DAM and PUBLIC USE AREAS

MOWING and TRIMMING

RATHBUN LAKE PROJECT

Centerville, Iowa 52544

PART 1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to provide grounds maintenance support. This includes such activities as debris removal, mowing, trimming and cleanup in Public Use Areas (PUA) such as but not limited to camp grounds, parks, road ways, and embankments. This Performance Work Statement (PWS) reflects current Army Corps of Engineers; Rathbun Lake (CENWK-OFR-A) policies and practices, allowing offerors to propose and price a solution to known requirements. It is anticipated that specific grounds maintenance requirements and resulting objectives will change over the life of this order. This will result in USACE modifying this order to incorporate in-scope changes.

CENWK-OFR-A expects to improve the current grounds maintenance services through this task order in several ways. Primary among these is to increase the quality, efficiency and value of the services provided. In addition, CENWK-OFR-A wants to be assured that all services for such items as mowing and trimming are always performed on time making public use areas aesthetically pleasing. As part of these activities, CENWK-OFR-A also has an objective to improve visitor satisfaction and reduce overall costs associated with ground maintenance.

PART 2 GENERAL

2.1 PROJECT LOCATION AND DISCRIPTION

The Rathbun Lake Project is located on the Chariton River in Appanoose County, Iowa. It is approximately 5- miles north of Centerville, Iowa, and about 16-miles north of the Iowa-Missouri state line. The project consists of two earthen dam embankments with a combined total length of 10,120-feet. The project also consists of dam appurtenances, an office, a maintenance compound, public use areas (recreation) and lands, and a system of roads and parking areas. Many of the areas associated with the project that are grass covered require routine mowing and trimming to ensure dam safety as well as visitor safety and provide for maintained premises to ensure weed control and the prevention of areas becoming overgrown.

The Rathbun Lake Project Administrative Building and Complex is located at:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rathbun Lake Project 20112 Hwy J5T Centerville, Iowa 52544

Refer to the attached overall plan view sheet for the relative locations of individual areas subject to mowing and trimming required in accordance with this contract. Nineteen plan view sheets are attached identifying the individual areas and mowing levels subject to mowing and trimming required in accordance with this contract.

2.2 PERFORMANCE WORK STATMENT (PWS), PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE, OFFER PREPARATION AND

PAYMENTS/COST OF THE WORK

2.2.1 General: The PWS consists of overall coordination, completing paperwork, completing submissions, providing labor, providing necessary equipment and supplies, and all that is necessary for providing mowing, trimming, and other requirements as defined by contract for the areas identified within the contract documents.

2.2.2 Period of Performance: The contract’s base Period of Performance (POP) is from 1 April 2019 (or upon award whichever is later) through 31 March 2020. In the event the Government exercises each option period, the contract’s option POP is from 1 April 2020 through 31 March 2021 (Option Period 2); from 1 April 2021 through 31 March 2022 (Option Period 3); from 1 April 2022 through 31 March 2023 (Option Period 4); and from 1 April 2023 through 31 March 2024 (Option Period 5).

2.2.3 Services: The Contractor shall refer to, “Section B – Supplies or Services and Prices”. The Contractor is encouraged to review the individual items. Items may include a minimum quantity and a maximum quantity. The basis for the Contractor submission shall be the value within the Quantity column (that is the not to exceed quantity or the maximum quantity), however dependent upon need, the Contractor may only perform the minimum quantity indicated within the item entry or as ordered by the Government, any quantity more than the minimum quantity up to and including the maximum quantity.

2.2.4 Best Value: This is a best value type contract selection process. Contractors are encouraged to provide all pertinent information with the offer, such as resumes, past performance questionnaires, equipment, references that demonstrate the qualities that are supportive to satisfactory contract performance and planned procedures or recommendations that validates efficiency and best value.

2.2.5 Contractor Understanding of the Contract Services: The Contractor is responsible for the requirements of this contract and is encouraged to review the document in detail and to provide inquiries to the Government as necessary prior to preparing a proposal. The Contractor is also encouraged to visit the project to obtain an onsite understanding of the project features associated with the contract requirements.

2.2.6 Equipment Submission with the Offer: The offer shall include a list of currently owned or leased mowing equipment that demonstrates the work can be completed as required by contract. Government reserves the right to inspect all equipment prior to contract award.

In the event a Contractor submitting a proposal does not currently own or lease all the required equipment needed to meet contract necessities for all routine work and it is only essential for that entity to possess such equipment should the contract be awarded to them, the entity may provide documentation listing the additional equipment they will obtain to meet the contract requirements. The offer shall provide evidence the entity possess the means and methods needed to obtain such equipment and shall include all equipment required, equipment specifications, supplier quotes with delivery information, credentials verifying financial resources are available and a plan indicating how services will be rendered between contract award and equipment delivery. Prior to contract award, the Government reserves the right to make contact with equipment suppliers, finical institutions or any others to ensure the entity providing the offer does in fact possess the means needed to obtain the required equipment.

Sub-contracting equipment and labor is an acceptable approach to providing the equipment needed to meet contract requirements. Should the Contractor not possess a particular piece of equipment and determines it is more economical to sub-contract a service rather than owning or leasing the equipment, the offer shall include any equipment and labor intend to be sub-contracted. The proposal shall identify possible sub-contractors the Contractor has contacted concerning the proposal. Prior to contract award, the Government reserves the right to make contact with any and all sub-contractors identified in the proposal.

2.2.7 Recommendations with the Offer: Entities making a proposal are encouraged to provide their own recommendations. The ultimate goal is to permit Contractors the maximum flexibility required to propose solutions that offers them increase efficiencies and/or reduces costs. The Government will review all innovative solutions to ensure the solutions meet the objectives and intent of the contract. Any solution or recommendation that is found to meet the objectives and intent and in deed does provide better efficiencies or a cost savings will be incorporated into the PWS. The Government and Contractor shall bilaterally agree upon the changes prior to contract award and update the PWS to reflect the solution(s).

2.3 GOVERNMENT AMENITIES

2.3.1 General: Government amenities may be available to the Contractor and used in the execution of the contract requirements. Government amenities are being offered as a good faith effort to reduce a Contractor’s cost associated with providing the services. An entity desiring to utilize the available Government facilities in conjunction with the contract shall indicate that desire within their proposal and document all cost savings the amenities may provide. Amenities shall only be available if determined by the Government to be advantageous to the ground maintenance objectives, reduces contract cost and the Contractor agrees to all terms and conditions herein.

2.3.2 Campsite: A campsite located in the South Fork PUA may be utilized in conjunction with this contract. The campsite was previously abandoned and has not been maintained since. The campsite is secluded from other campers; no other active campsites are located within South Fork PUA. Electric, water and a sewer connection is located on the site. The public boat ramp located at South Fork PUA is available to use by the campsite occupant at no charge.

2.3.2.1 Campsite Terms and Conditions: The Contractor shall agree to the following terms and conditions associated with inhabiting the South Fork campsite.

A. The Contractor shall not lease or rent the site. Any person inhabiting the campsite shall be directly involved in performing routine services identified within the contract scope. Allowable residents shall be confined to the Contractor themselves, direct employees or a sub-contractor of the said Contractor.

Occupants shall be actively engaged, a minimum of 80% of the time in providing day to day contract responsibilities. Immediate family members to include husbands, wives and children are allowed to reside with the occupant.

B. The intent of the campsite is to provide a residence within close proximity to the work. Occupants are required to reside on the campsite a minimum of five (5) nights per week. The campsite shall not be tie up or used as a personal recreational campsite.

C. Only one full containment camper or RV is allowed on the site.

D. The Contractor shall use the campsite at their own risk and shall hold the Government harmless in all accounts associated with the use of the campsite.

E. The campsite does not reside within a required mowing area and shall be the sole responsibility of the

Contractor to maintain at no cost to the Government.

F. In the event a sewer line breaks, becomes or is inoperable, the Contractor shall be responsible for providing their own sewage disposal by hauling sewage to an appropriate dump station or hiring a sewage service provider to pump and haul the sewage.

G. The Contractor shall maintain a clean and neat campsite and is responsible for their own garbage disposal.

The Contractor is allowed to dispose of one full sized garbage bag of trash per week within USACE provided dumpsters and shall adhere to the requirements set forth in Section 3.2.1.

H. The Contractor or its employees shall not modify the campsite in any way without the written consent of the Government.

I. The allowable dates the Contractor may inhabit the campsite shall be constrained to the mowing season;

mid-April through mid-October. Unless approved in writing by the Government, all personal property and non-Government owned items shall be removed from the campsite between mid-October through mid- April the following year.

J. The occupant shall abide all Government laws and policies set forth and required in the other campgrounds and public use areas at Rathbun Lake.

K. In the event the Contractor neglects to perform contract requirements pursuant to the contract or does not adhere to the terms and conditions set forth in Section 4.1.1, the Government may require, at no additional cost to the contract, the Contractor or campsite occupant to vacate the property.

2.3.3 Storage Building: A storage building located in the South Fork PUA may be utilized in conjunction with the contract. The building was previously used as a marina but has since been abandoned. The building does have power and a concrete floor. There is no water, sewer or heat. Windows and doors have been covered with plywood. One overhead door remains accessible. There is no security fence around the buildings perimeter nor does the building contain an electronic security system. The Building does not meet security requirements set forth by Government regulations. Although the Government has determined the building unsecure, a Contractor my find the building more than adequate to use for equipment storage and repair minimizing transpiration costs associated with providing the routine services related to the contract.

2.3.3.1 Storage Building Terms and Conditions: The Contractor shall agree to the following terms and conditions associated with utilizing the South Fork storage building.

A. The Contractor shall not lease or rent out the storage building. Any person utilizing the building shall be directly involved in performing routine services identified within the contract scope. Allowable user shall be confined to the Contractor themselves, direct employees or a sub-contractor of the said Contractor.

B. The Contractor shall ensure all items stored within and the structure are covered under their insurance policy. Insurance shall cover the replacement cost of the storage building should damages result from the Contractors actions or equipment occure.

C. The Contractor shall use the building at their own risk and shall hold the Government harmless in all accounts associated with the use of the building.

D. The Contractor shall maintain the area they utilize within and around the building neat and clean and is responsible for their own garbage and waste disposal in accordance with all Local, State and Federal laws.

E. The Contractor shall not modify the building or grounds in any way without the written consent of the Government.

F. The allowable dates the Contractor may store equipment within the structure shall be constrained to the mowing season; mid-April through mid-October. Unless approved by the Government, all property and non-Government owned items shall be removed from the building between mid-October through mid- April the following year.

G. Any and all flammable materials the contractor may choose to store as part of their official duties shall be stored in approved containers and the Contractor shall provide fire extinguishers meeting all Local, State and Federal fire codes.

H. Only items required or utilized in the performance of the contract shall be stored in the building.

I. In the event the Contractor neglects to perform contract requirements pursuant to the contract or does not adhere to the terms and conditions set forth in Section 4.2.1, the Government may require, at no additional cost to the contract, the Contractor vacate the building.

2.4 DEFINITIONS, ABREVIATIONS, AND ACRONYMS

2.4.1 General: The Contractor is to review the PWS and ensure an understanding of definitions, abbreviations, and acronyms used throughout the PWS (text and drawings). The list within Paragraph 2.3 may not be all inclusive of those used with the PWS (text and drawings).

2.4.2 Accident Prevention Plan (APP): Document developed and utilized by the Contractor to minimize the risk of accidents during the performance of the contract requirements.

2.4.3 Best Value: Best Value assessment is compliant with FAR 8.404 and to the extent the item will best be of use to the project location and description.

2.4.4 Contracting Officer: Primary Government contracting representative for this contract.

2.4.5 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): Individual designated and authorized in writing by the Contracting Officer to perform specific technical and/or administrative functions regarding the contract.

2.4.6 Contractor: Company structure including partners, officers, and employees with interest in the contract. For the purposes of this contract it may also be a reference to Contractor or employee of the Contractor.

2.4.7 Defect or Deficiency: A Contractor output that does not meet the standard of performance specified in the contract.

2.4.8 Fully-Clothed: Contract requirement for the Contractor and Contractor’s employees to be professionally attired, such as with appropriate shirt, trousers, and shoes that also includes compliance with safety requirements.

2.4.9 Major Holidays: For the purposes of this contract, the major holidays are Memorial Day, 4th of July (Independence Day), and Labor Day.

2.4.10 Mowing Order: A document provided by the Government via email, facsimile, or other agreed upon means identifying Contractor mowing, trimming, and other contract requirements for a future period of time. At the Government’s discretion, the mowing order may be a verbal notification with a document to follow prior to the end of the identified mowing period.

2.4.11 Period of Performance (POP): The contract time table for performance of services. As necessary, there may be contract activities required outside the POP dates, such as coordination and the pre-work conference. For this contract the Contractor is to refer to Paragraph, Period of Performance, for the POP dates.

2.4.12 Public Use Area (PUA): Areas within the project limits that are generally accessible to the public except under certain circumstances.

2.4.13 Performance Work Statement (PWS): Document that is part of the contract that defines the products and services.

2.4.14 Quality Assurance (QA): A Government process to monitor/provide some measure of quality assurance of the contract requirements.

2.4.15 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP): A document used by Government for quality assurance surveillance.

2.4.16 Quality Control (QC): Contractor requirement and processes to control and ensure the quality of goods and services provided in accordance with the contract.

2.4.17 Service Contract: A contract that directly engages the time and effort of a Contractor with at least part of the contract purpose to perform an identifiable task or tasks. The service contract may cover services performed by either professional or nonprofessional personnel or by an individual or organization as identified within these contract documents.

2.4.18 Standard of Performance: The standard of performance is Contractor compliance with the requirements of this Contract.

2.4.19 Sub-contractor: Any individual meeting the requirements set forth in Department of Labor (DOL) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations; Reference https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-regs/subcontractorstext.prn.pdf.

2.4.20 Trash: Any abandoned articles, manmade or natural such as paper, cups, cans, bottles, litter, branches, limbs, sticks or similar waste items encountered during the services of this contract. Refer to the paragraph, LOST ITEMS, for those items that are apparent not to be trash but may have been lost or misplaced by the Government or the public.

2.5 SUBMITTALS

2.4.1 General: Prior to each POP and as required by this contract, the Contractor shall provide to the Government the submittals identified within this contract and submittals that are identified as necessary to ensure performance compliance. The Contractor shall allow five working days for Government review of each submittal. The Government will respond to the Contractor’s submittals with email, fax, or postal mail per the Contractor’s requested preference to the Government. The Government’s approval of submittals shall not be construed as a complete check of the contract requirements. Government approval will be an indication of a satisfactory submittal of the general method of compliance with the requirements of the contract. Government approval will not relieve the Contractor of the responsibility for contract compliance. Government disapproved submittals shall be resubmitted by the Contractor addressing corrections and contract compliance. At the discretion of the Government, the Contractor may be directed by the Government to proceed with work in advance the submittals;

however, the Contractor shall practice due diligence and continuity with the submittal process. One copy of each submittal shall be provided as follows:

2.5.2 Personnel: The Contractor shall submit personnel information in accordance with the requirements of this contract to include employees and sub-contractors.

2.5.3 Plan of Operations: The Contractor shall submit a plan of operations. If the Government has comments, the Contractor shall meet with the Government prior to performing the work of this contract to resolve the comments.

The plan of operations shall address, as a minimum, personnel qualifications, personnel protective equipment and attire, protection of the public, traffic control, an understanding of the requirements of the contract, an understanding of the terrain, protection of project features from damage, selection of equipment, and site and weather conditions pertinent to the requirements of this contract. Supporting documentation shall be included as part of the plan of operations that demonstrates compliance with this contract.

2.5.4 Antiterrorism and Operation Security Requirement: The Contractor shall submit as required per the paragraph, SECURITY.

2.5.5 Site-Specific Accident Prevention Plan (APP): The Contractor shall prepare and submit a site-specific APP compliant with the requirements of this contract.

2.4.6 Quality Control Plan (QCP): The Contractor shall submit to the Government the Contractor Quality Control Plan in accordance with these contract requirements.

2.5.7 Equipment and Tools: The Contractor shall submit to the Government the proposed equipment and tools for use to perform the contract services.

2.5.8 Insurance: Prior to the beginning of each POP, the Contractor shall submit proof of insurance as required by this contract.

2.5.9 Postal mail or Drop off to:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District—Rathbun Lake Project 20112 Hwy J5T Centerville, Iowa 52544 Attn: John Pasa or email to:

john.p.pasa@usace.army.mil It is the Contractor’s responsibility to confirm Government receipt of the email.

2.6 POST AWARD COORDINATION

After award of the contract, documents and correspondence from the Contractor to the Government shall be to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) at the Rathbun Lake Project Office.

2.7 CONTACT INFORMATION

Within three (3) Government working days of award, the Contractor shall provide Contractor contact information, such as home telephone, cell phone, email address, and postal mail address. The Contractor shall identify modes of available communication, such as email, texting, and voicemail. If the Contractor plans to use other personnel, such as quality control personnel, for Government contact, the Contractor shall provide the same contact information to the Government upon selection of personnel assignments.

2.8 MEETINGS

2.8.1 Pre-Work Conference: Prior to the Contractor performing the work of this contract, the Contractor shall participate with the Government in a pre-work conference. The pre-work conference will be scheduled by the Government and will occur at the Rathbun Lake Project office. The Contractor is to provide all submittals, unless otherwise directed by the Government, to the Government no later than the scheduled pre-work conference. The pre-work conference is required prior to the beginning of each POP.

2.8.2 Meetings as Needed: Other meetings as needed shall be at the request of the Contractor or the Government.

The Government will be responsible for coordinating the day, time, and location of meetings.

2.9 INVOICING AND PERSON HOUR REPORTING

2.9.1 Invoicing: Contractor shall provide regular invoicing. The contractor shall invoice within five business days following the completion of any service rendered or service period. Contractor shall not invoice for any service sooner than complied. The Contractor may submit invoices using the same processes as identified for the contract submittals or the Contractor may propose an alternate method. The invoice shall use ink that is legible when the document is copied, scanned, faxed, or emailed. In the event the Contractor was unable to complete all of the work and if the reduction of the work is approved by the Government, the Contractor may invoice but the invoice shall be limited to the work that was completed by the Contractor.

2.9.2 Payment: Payment shall be made via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) into the Contractor’s banking account.

In accordance with the Prompt Payment Act, payment will be made to the Contractor no later than thirty (30)-days from receipt of the invoice. The Contractor shall notify the Government if a payment occurs beyond the thirty (30)

- days.

2.9.3 Performance and Invoicing: The Contractor shall certify on the invoice that all contract services were performed in accordance with the contract or task order. The Contractor shall not invoice for the part of the work or task order the Contractor did not perform in accordance with the contract.

2.9.4 Other Services: Services rendered by the Contractor outside the requirements of this contract shall not be compensated unless first approved with documentation signed by the Contracting Officer.

2.9.5 Contractor Exposure Hours: The Government is required to submit monthly the contractor exposure hours for the respective month. The Contractor is to track the number of person hours completed each month to perform the services of this contract and submit to the Government within five (5)-days following the end of the month the number of person hours for that month.

2.10 INSURANCE

Prior to each POP and prior to beginning work of this contract, the Contractor shall provide to the Government documentation demonstrating compliance with the following minimum insurance requirements:

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

TYPE/DESCRIPTION COVERAGE

Workmen’s Compensation Coverage complying with applicable State statute Employer’s Liability $100,000 (minimum) General Liability/Bodily Injury $500,000 (minimum) per occurrence

Automobile Liability

$200,000 (minimum) per person $500,000 (minimum) per occurrence $ 20,000 (minimum) property per occurrence

Coverage amounts listed above are minimums. If higher limits of coverage are required by State statute, the Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining such additional coverage, and the Contractor shall provide to the Government documentation demonstrating compliance with the State statute. Information regarding State requirements may be obtained by contacting the Iowa Insurance Division at 515-281-5705.

The Contractor shall maintain the required insurance coverage throughout the duration of each POP.

2.11 SAFETY

2.11.1 General: The Contractor shall provide all necessary means and processes to protect personnel, the public, and the Government personnel from potential safety hazards associated with this contract’s required activities.

The Contractor shall be compliant with all local, state, and federal requirements; with industry standards; and with FAR 52.236-13(c) which requires Contractor compliance with EM 385-1-1, Safety and Health Requirements Manual (30 November 2014). The document is accessible at:

http://www.publications.usace.army.mil/Portals/76/Publications/EngineerManuals/EM_385-1-1.pdf

2.11.2 Site-Specific Accident Prevention Plan (APP): The Contractor shall prepare and submit a site-specific APP compliant with EM 385-1-1, Safety and Health Requirements Manual (30 November 2014). The document is accessible at:

http://www.publications.usace.army.mil/Portals/76/Publications/EngineerManuals/EM_385-1-1.pdf The Contractor is to refer to Appendix A, “Minimum Basic Outline for Accident Prevention Plans” of EM 385-1-1.

2.11.3 Grades and Escarpments: The mowing and trimming limits include areas with near vertical escarpment and steep grades. Prior to each mowing and trimming, the Contractor shall assess the mowing and trimming limits and complete operational adjustments to ensure safe operations. The Contractor shall coordinate with the Government as necessary at locations identified as a safety concern.

2.11.4 Public Safety: The mowing and trimming limits include areas adjacent to public roads and driveways and within public use areas, such as those accessible for fishing and camping facilities. The Contractor shall assess the mowing and trimming limits and complete operational adjustments to ensure safe operations. Campsites may include below and above grade sewer lines, electrical lines, communication lines, water hook-ups, and camping equipment that the Contractor shall complete mowing and trimming services without impacting the features or causing an unsafe condition.

2.11.5 Unsafe Situations: The Contractor shall immediately report to the Government any situation that could affect the health or safety of personnel, the public, or Government employees, such as accidents, violations of laws or regulations, maintenance needs, or utility problems.

2.12 SECURITY

2.12.1 ANTITERRORISM/OPERATION SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

2.12.1.1 General: All contractor and all associated sub-contractors employees shall comply with applicable installation, facility and area commander installation/facility access and local security policies and procedures (provided by government representative). The contractor shall also provide all information required for background checks to meet installation access requirements to be accomplished by installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services or Security Office. Contractor workforce must comply with all personal identity verification requirements 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.

2.12.1.2 Information Paper: All contractor and all associated sub-contractors employees will receive a CORPS Watch information paper (provided by the authorized government representative) and provide a written acknowledgement to the COR, no later than 5 calendar days after contract start date or effective date of incorporation of this requirement into the contract.

2.12.1.3 Employment Requirements: The Contractor shall prescreen employee applicants using the E-Verify system website https://www.e-verify.gov/. The Contractor must ensure employees have two valid forms of government issued identification to ensure the correct information is entered into the E-verify system. Eligible employee candidates must be provided to the COR no later than 3 business prior to starting work on the project.

2.12.1.4 Exemptions: Per the E-Verify Website the following exemptions apply: employers whose contracts are exempt from the E-Verify federal contractor rule are not required to enroll in E-Verify. A contract is considered exempt if any one of the following applies: (1) it is for fewer than 120 days. (2) It is valued at less than $150,000, the simplified acquisition threshold (Source: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/federal-contractors/exemptions-and-exceptions)

2.12.1.5 Security Clearance: All contract employees, including subcontractor employees who are not in possession of the appropriate security clearance, will be escorted in areas where they may be exposed to classified and/or sensitive materials and/or sensitive or restricted areas.

2.12.2 Minimal Requirements: Only personnel compliant with the requirements of this contract are authorized to perform the work of this contract. The Contractor shall submit all personnel information to the Government sufficient to perform background checks. The Government may obtain the fingerprints of personnel performing work of this contract.

2.12.3 Government Property: The Contractor shall include measures to ensure the security of Government property. The Contractor shall establish and implement methods to ensure Government provided keys for the Contractor’s use are used only for the purposes of this contract, are not lost or misplaced, and are not used by unauthorized persons or for unauthorized purposes. The Contractor shall immediately report to the Government lost or misplaced keys or any other items that may pose a security risk.

2.13 CONTRACTOR AND EMPLOYEE PERSONNEL

2.13.1 General: Personnel performing the services of this contract shall present a professional appearance and be fully clothed at all times. Clothing shall be long pants, tee shirt (SEE SECTION 1.26) and close toed shoes. No clothing shall display offensive graphics, wording, or advertising. Personnel shall utilize tact, diplomacy, and courtesy at all times during contact with the public and with Government personnel. Personnel shall operate equipment safely and cautiously.

2.13.2 Personnel Replacement: The Government may require personnel considered by the Government to be incompetent, disrespectful, rude, unsafe or reckless to be replaced with personnel capable of performing the work of this contract. The Government will provide written notice to the Contractor.

2.13.3 Firearms and Weapons: The Contractor and Contractor’s employees shall not possess firearms during the performance of this contract.

2.13.4 Smoking Policy: Smoking is not allowed in Government buildings or within areas designated as nonsmoking per Iowa State Law.

2.14 QUALITY ASSURANCE

2.14.1 General: Quality assurance is the responsibility of the Government and will be based on the Government’s developed and administered Quality Assurance Plan (QAP). Subject to available resources, the Government will perform quality assurance surveillance of the Contractor services of this contract to assess Contractor performance and the effectiveness of the Contractor’s Quality Control Plan. The Government reserves the right to inspect all services called for by the contract to the extent practicable at all times and places during the term of the contract.

The Government will perform quality assurance inspections in a manner that will not unduly delay the work. At the Government’s request the Contractor shall coordinate with the Government to allow the Government to monitor the Contractor’s real time performance of the contract services.

2.14.2 Unsatisfactory Performance: The standard of performance is Contractor compliance with the requirements of this Contract. If the Contractor performed services do not conform to the contract requirements, the Contractor shall perform the services compliant with the contract within forty-eight (48) hours and at no additional cost to the Government. When the contract performance deficiency cannot or is not corrected by immediate Contractor performance, the Government may require the contractor to take necessary action to ensure that future performance conforms to contract requirements, and the Government may reduce the contract price to reflect the Contractor’s deficient performance. If the contractor fails to promptly perform the services within the allotted timeframe or take the necessary action to ensure future performance in conformity with contract requirements, the Government may 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 appropriately reduce the Contractor’s invoice or terminate the contract.

2.15 QUALITY CONTROL

2.15.1 General: Project quality control is a responsibility of the Contractor. The Contractor shall develop a Quality Control Plan (QCP) designed to demonstrate how that Contractor will facilitate contract performance. The QCP shall address requirements of the contract, documentation, processes put in place to ensure quality performance, and measures to correct unsatisfactory performance.

2.15.2 Quality Control Inspection: The Contractor shall implement a quality control inspection check list to ensure and certify all work associated with a service has been accomplished. The Contractor shall maintain a checklist throughout the duration of the contract, and make available to the Government upon the Government’s request.

2.15.2 Unacceptable Performance: In the event of unacceptable contract performance, the Contractor shall immediately (within forty-eight (48) hours) complete the services compliant with the contract. The Government may require the Contractor to submit a Correction Plan addressing the Deficiency as well as Corrective Measures the Contractor will implement to rectify the performance issue.

2.16 JURISDICTIONAL COMPLIANCE AND PERMITS

The Contractor shall comply with all Federal, State and Local laws, ordinances, statutes and regulations in performance of services under this contract. The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining required permits.

2.17 OTHER CONTRACTORS AND ACTIVITIES

The Contractor shall perform the work of this contract in manner accounting for other Contractor activities, Government activities, Government authorized volunteer activities, and others activities in the vicinity of the contract work. All coordination, direction, and supervision of others shall only be by the Government.

2.18 ILLEGAL OR CRIMINAL ACTIVITY

Contractor illegal or criminal activity may result in termination of the contract.

2.19 DAMAGE OR VANDALISM

The Contractor shall report to the Government no later than the morning of the next Government working day observed damage or vandalism, facilities requiring repair, or facilities not properly functioning within the Rathbun Lake Project.

2.20 LOST ITEMS

The Contractor shall deliver to the project’s Administration Building items discovered during the performance of this contract that may have been lost or misplaced by the public. As appropriate, the Contractor shall inform the public to contact or visit the project’s Administration Building to reclaim lost or misplaced items.

2.21 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES

The Government will furnish the following items to the Contractor:

* Keys

* Vehicle magnetic contractor signs (may or not be provided at the discretion of the Government)

* Government amenities pursuant to Section 4. Government amenities shall only be provided if determined by the Government to be advantageous to the grounds maintenance objectives and the Contractor meets all requirements set forth in section 4.

The Contractor shall be responsible for these items throughout each POP and shall return the items at the conclusion of each POP. The Contractor shall not make or have copies made of the keys. Failure to return the Government furnished keys as required by contract, may result in the Contractor being finically responsible for rekeying and or replacing locks and duplicating keys.

2.22 CONTRACTOR EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS

2.22.1 General: The Contractor shall submit a list to the Government of Contractor equipment and tools proposed for use as part of this contract. Except for those items or services specifically stated otherwise, the Contractor shall furnish, at no additional expense to the Government all that is necessary to perform the contract services. The Contractor’s equipment shall be of number, quality, size, and type suitable for satisfactorily accomplishing the services of this contract. Equipment that is used in the turf areas must not leave tracks or ruts. Motorized equipment must include a functioning muffler. The equipment shall include the manufacturer’s safety equipment and shall be in-place and utilized during the services of this contract. At no additional cost to the Government, the Contractor shall complete operational and equipment adjustments as necessary if the equipment and tools are not sufficient to complete the work in the allotted time. The Contractor’s equipment shall be in good repair and shall operate efficiently and safely, and shall be maintained clean to present a neat, professional appearance. The Government may inspect the Contractor’s equipment and tools at the beginning and throughout the POP, and the Government may, as warranted, direct the removal of any improper or unsafe equipment and tools. Such items shall be removed from service by the Contractor and shall be replaced with satisfactory equipment. Equipment breakdown shall not relieve the Contractor of the responsibility to perform the contract defined services. The equipment and tools requirements identified within the contract are not all-inclusive, and it is the Contractor’s responsibility to provide appropriate equipment and tools necessary to perform the services of this contract.

2.22.2 Mowing Equipment: Mowing equipment shall be equipped with adjustable side mounted wheels or skids capable of producing a uniform cut parallel to the lay of the ground and will not mark or scar the ground surface.

The mowing equipment features shall include a cutting height adjustment ranging to comply with the mowing requirements for each mowing level. Mowing equipment, such as blades, shall be operated and maintained or replaced as needed to assure a uniform, clean grass cut to the height required by the contract. The mowing equipment shall discharge and distribute grass clippings evenly over the ground or bagged and removed from the project to prevent or eliminate clumps or windrows within the mowing area. Mowers shall be equipped with devices to prevent objects from being thrown from the mower.

2.22.3 Trimming Equipment: Trimming equipment shall consist of power hand mowers, "weed-eaters" or other type power trimmers, weed whips, and other equipment and tools as are appropriate for the trimming requirements of this contract.

2.22.4 Cleaning Equipment: Cleaning equipment shall consist of handheld or back pack gas powered blowers, vacuum, broom or any other tools capable of removing grass clippings from areas such as concrete, aggregate camp pads, rubber fibar, riprap or any other area requiring grass clippings be removed.

2.22.5 Vehicle and Trailers: Transportation vehicles and trailers as necessary for transporting equipment and tools and coordinating during the performance of the services of this contract.

2.23 SITE AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

In general, the Contractor shall select equipment and tools that allow performing operations in various weather and site conditions while maintaining safe operations and not causing damage. In the event that site conditions or weather are to the extent that prevent the Contractor from performing the services of this contract in a safe and non- damaging manor, the Contractor shall notify the Government of the condition and request a time extension.

This may apply to all or part of the areas subject to mowing and trimming. The request for a time extension shall include the Contractor’s plan to complete the services. The Government may require the Contractor to extend the daily operational hours or extend Contractor performance into the weekend as necessary to complete the required services.

2.24 PUBLIC USE AREA (PUA) USAGE

PUA may periodically require the placement of additional tables and other equipment. The increased number of items may occur during times of required mowing and trimming services. The Contractor may temporarily relocate the items to facilitate mowing or may use trimmers to mow with the items in-place. If the items are temporarily moved, the items shall be placed at the original location upon completion of mowing the area. The Government will provide the Contractor notification identifying scheduled activities only when the activity is scheduled to occur during the mowing hours and days. The Government may issue a Mowing Order requiring mowing to be performed prior to a scheduled activity. The Contractor shall schedule mowing and trimming so as not conflict with the scheduled activity. These Contractor services shall be completed at no additional cost to the Government.

2.25 FIXED FEATURES VARIANCES

During the course of this contract, the Government may permanently add to the mowing and trimming areas trees, signs, facilities, equipment, and other items necessary for the operations, maintenance, and upkeep of the areas subject to mowing and trimming services. The Government may add up to a net of 150-items the first year and up to a net of 100-items each subsequent year. The Contractor shall perform mowing and trimming services of these areas at no additional cost to the Government. These quantities are net values; for example, if the Government adds 2- sign posts but eliminates 1-tree (including stump removal and site restoration), then the quantity added is 1 item.

The Contractor is to track the number of features added and subtracted from the mowing areas. In the event the Government exceeds the allowed net quantity, the Contractor may request an adjustment to account for inefficiencies and general operational wear. The request shall be provided in advance of the first mowing and trimming services since the Government exceeded the allowed net quantity and shall address each feature with the date (may be an approximate date) of placement or removal and the location relative to each mowing level area. Once the Contractor has submitted the request, the Government will provide further direction as to proceeding with mowing and trimming.