PWS Grounds Maintenance 2022 SB 30 Jan 2022.pdf

Performance Works Statement

Grounds Services Contract Engineering Research and Development Center

Vicksburg, MS 39183

C.1. GENERAL INFORMATION

C.1.1. INTRODUCTION

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) provides a description of the grass cutting services required to support the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineering Research and Development Center (ERDC), hereafter referred to as ERDC. The layout of the PWS is as follows:

• Section C-1. (General Information) – Provides general information necessary to understand the requirements of the PWS.

• Section C-2. (Definitions and Acronyms) – Provides the definitions and acronyms used throughout the PWS and in performance of the stated services

• Section C-3. (Government-Furnished Property and Services) – Provides the property and services the Government will provide to the Service Provider in performing the PWS stated services.

• Section C-4. (Contractor-Furnished Property, Facilities, and Services) – Provides information on the property, services, or support the Government will not provide to the Contractor in performing the PWS stated services and that may be required or necessary for Service Provider performance.

• Section C-5. (Specific Services/Tasks) – Provides the required services/tasks the

Contractor shall perform to meet the requirements of the USACE DPW solicitation.

• Section C-6. (Applicable Publications and Forms) – Provides the mandatory/advisory regulations, directives, policies, instructions, and forms that are utilized in the performance of the PWS stated services.

• Technical Exhibits (TEs) – Provides greater detail supporting information pertaining to the services/tasks stated in the PWS.

C.1.2. SCOPE OF WORK

The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, supplies and materials necessary for grass mowing, edging, trimming and other grounds maintenance services described herein at the ERDC main campus, 3909 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180-6199 Big Black Test Site in Bovina, MS and the Flowers Site in Flowers, MS. All services shall be performed in accordance with the attached specifications, Technical exhibits and Drawing P-156H. The Contractor’s office and/or branch office shall be no more than 60 miles from Vicksburg, MS.

C.1.3. LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF FACILITY

The main ERDC campus lies within the west part of Warren County approximately 2.5 miles south of Interstate Highway 20 at Vicksburg, Mississippi.

C.1.4. ERDC REGULATIONS

The Contractor and his/her employees shall become acquainted with and obey all Government regulations as posted, or as requested by the Contracting Officer (KO).

C.1.5. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

The Contractor shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, and with the regulations and standards as requested by the KO. In the event that a regulatory agency assesses a monetary fine against the Government for violations caused by Contractor negligence, the Contractor shall reimburse the Government for the amount of that fine and all other costs. The Contractor shall also clean up any oil spills that result from the Contractor's operations.

C.1.6. CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

The Contractor shall provide a work force possessing the skills, knowledge, and training to perform the services required by this PWS.

C.1.6.1. PERSONNEL ROSTER

The Contractor shall provide a list of employees to the COR, reflecting each employee's name, and job title to the COR within 14 calendar days of contract award. The Contractor shall update the list within one normal working day of any changes.

C.1.6.2. EMPLOYMENT OF FOREIGN NATIONALS

In the event, the Contractor chooses to employ a foreign national; they shall follow the procedures outlined in ER 380-1-18 to obtain security clearance prior to allowing access to the installation.

C.1.6.3. CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The Contractor shall not employ off-duty COR or Government surveillance personnel (i.e.

Quality Assurance Specialist, Technical Monitors, Inspector or other persons), if such employment would create a conflict of interest or be contrary to any law, regulation, Executive Order, or policy of the Department of Defense or USACE.

C.1.6.4. IDENTIFICATION BADGES

The Contractor personnel shall wear their Government-issued identification badges at all times while on duty. These badges must be in a visible location on their person without hindering safe working habits. The Contractor shall turn in to the Government the identification cards of all employees upon termination of the employee or completion of the Contract. Contractor employees shall not wear any part of a current authorized military uniform while performing work under the Contract. The Contractor shall be responsible for the supervision and conduct of his employees.

C.1.6.5. DRIVING RESTRICTIONS

All Contractor personnel operating vehicles or equipment shall possess a current and valid driver’s license with all class and commodity endorsements required by state law for the type of vehicle operated and commodity being transported. As required by AR 190-5, Contractor personnel shall follow all federal, state, and local laws for continued compliance with inspection and insurance laws. Contractor employees must operate vehicles safely and in accordance with all federal, state, local, and installation traffic laws

C.1.6.6. CONDUCT OF PERSONNEL

In accordance with 5 CFR, Part 2635 Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch, the CO/COR may require the Contractor to immediately remove from the job site a Contractor employee cited for misconduct, security violations, or actual or suspected use of alcohol, drugs, or other incapacitating agents. The removal from the job site shall not relieve the Contractor of the requirement to provide sufficient personnel to perform the services as required by this PWS.

C.1.7. CONTRACTOR LIABILITY

Plants (including turf, trees, shrubs, and ground covers) damaged by the Contractor's vehicles, equipment, personnel, or any other damage shall be replaced or repaired in an approved manner at no additional cost to the Government. Government-owned or privately owned property damaged by the Contractor's operations under this contract shall be replaced or repaired to original condition by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government.

C.1.8. NORMAL OPERATING HOURS

The Contractor shall provide all services identified in these specifications during normal hours of operation unless approved by the COR. The normal hours of operation for the ERDC are 7:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday.

C.1.8.1. AFTER HOURS AND WEEKEND WORK

The contractor may continue to work after 4:30 PM as long as there is daylight. Weekend work shall only be allowed under extenuating circumstances and shall not be allowed as part of the regular cutting schedule. The Contractor shall send a written request to the COR for prior approval of weekend work. Weekend work will only be allowed at no additional cost to the Government.

C.1.8.2. LEGAL HOLIDAYS

The Contractor will not be allowed to work on legal holidays. When a designated legal holidays falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will be observed as a legal holiday. When a legal holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is observed as a holiday. This list of holidays relates to Government duty days, and is not intended to supplement or otherwise alter the provisions of the Wage Determination regarding paid holidays.

C.1.9. QUALITY CONTROL

The Contractor shall develop and maintain a quality control program to ensure services are performed in accordance with commonly accepted commercial practices. The Contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-recurrence of defective services.

C.1.9.1. QUALITY CONTROL PLAN

The Contractor shall establish and implement a complete Quality Control Program (QCP) that, at a minimum, includes (1) a self-inspection plan; (2) internal staffing; and (3) schedule for mowing, herbicide, flower bed, and pruning the Contractor will use to meet the quality, quantity, timeliness, responsiveness, and customer satisfaction of the solicitation; and results in timely corrective action throughout the life of the contract. The Government will perform final review and acceptance of the QCP and subsequent changes after award. Proposed changes to the QCP shall be submitted to the COR not later than 10 working days prior to the proposed effective date of the change.

C.1.10. QUALITY ASSURANCE

The Government will inspect and monitor the Contractor’s performance under this contract using the quality assurance procedures specified in the Performance Requirements Summary (PRS) which is provided as Technical Exhibit 1.

C.1.10.1. QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE

The COR will appoint a Quality Assurance Evaluator (QAE), to monitor performance to ensure services are received under this contract. The QAE will evaluate the Contractor’s performance through close on-site inspections. The Contractor and the QAE shall coordinate work schedules and inspections to best evaluate Contractor performance. The Government may use a combination of unscheduled, 100%, random and/or planned inspection(s). The primary methods of surveillance are planned inspection, and customer feedback.

C.1.10.2. CONTRACTOR DEFICIENCY REPORT

When the Contractor fails to perform according to the performance standards, the COR will notify the Contractor in writing by issuing a Contractor Deficiency Report (CDR), stating the nature and extent of the deficiency. The Contractor shall explain in writing, as per the schedule outlined in Technical Exhibit 3, why performance was less than satisfactory and how to prevent recurrence.

C.1.10.3. CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE EVALUATION MEETING

The COR will conduct performance evaluation meetings at a designated location not more than one full work day after a CDR is issued. Mutual effort will be made to resolve any problems identified at any meetings between the Contractors, Superintendent(s), COR and/or his/her representative(s). Written minutes of performance evaluation meetings shall be prepared by the COR or his/her representative(s) and signed by the COR and the Contractor or the Contractor Representative(s). Should the Contractor not concur with any decisions, etc.

contained within the minutes, the Contractor shall state so in writing, and request a final decision by the COR.

C.1.11. WORK CONTROL

The Contractor shall perform the tasks specified in the PWS, and provide all services and management required to perform the work described and meet all performance standards as specified. Standards are specified in the PWS, attached Performance Requirement Summary (PRS), TEs, and Mandatory Publications for the required work. Where publications containing standards are advisory in nature, acceptance of the work shall be based on the reasonable and logical judgment of the COR using the standards as guidance.

C.1.11.1. AMOUNT OF WORK

The total number of cuttings and edgings required by this PWS is a specific value. Weather conditions may affect the growing season as well as access to cutting areas. Therefore, all cuttings estimated will be scheduled.

C.1.11.2. SCHEDULING

The Contractor shall schedule, control, and perform all work described in this PWS in accordance with all terms and conditions contained in this PWS. The Contractor shall develop and provide written work schedules for all maintenance levels in a mowing plan.

C.1.11.3. UNSATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE

If the Performance of any required service is unsatisfactory, and is the fault of the Contractor, the Contractor will immediately correct prior to proceeding to another area. Work that does not meet the contract specifications will be deemed unsatisfactory. Failure to do so may result in a payment deduction as determined by the PRS. It may also result in the issuance of a Contract Discrepancy Report by the CO.

C.1.11.4. RE-WORK

The Contractor shall, when directed by the COR, perform work that was not performed, or re-perform work that was performed in an unsatisfactory manner. The response time and quality requirements as set forth in this specification shall also apply to rework actions. Normally, re-performance will not be permitted on services required on a highly repetitive basis. The Contractor shall not receive additional payment for re-work.

C.1.11.5. UNFINISHED WORK

Generally, the Contractor shall not leave an area unfinished. If circumstances beyond their control dictate unfinished work, the Contractor may request payment for partial completion.

The amount will be determined by a percentage of the total acreage or linear feet per sheet completed.

C.1.12. PAYMENT

THE CONTRACTOR SHALL BILL THE GOVERNMENT ON A MONTHLY BASIS.

PAYMENT SHALL BE MADE ONLY FOR ACTUAL SERVICES, PROVIDED BY THE

CONTRACTOR AS SPECIFIED IN THIS PWS. THE CONTRACTOR MUST MEET THE

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THIS PWS TO BE PAID FOR SERVICES RENDERED.

REIMBURSABLE WORK FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICES SHALL BE INCLUDED AS

SEPARATE BILLABLE ITEMS. FINAL PAYMENT FOR ALL WORK IS SUBJECT TO THE

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS AS OUTLINED IN THE PRS.

C.1.13 SUBMITTALS

C1.13.1 SUBMITTED WITH PROPOSAL: See Section L for Proposal Preparation and Submittal Instructions.

C.1.13.2 SUBMITTED AFTER AWARD

C.1.13.2.1 ACCIDENT PREVENTION PLAN

The Contractor shall prepare an outline of his plan to prevent accidents in accordance with Section C1.15 Safety and Occupational Health.

C.1.13.2.2 QUALITY CONTROL PLAN

The Contractor shall submit a Quality Control Plan as per Section C.1.9.

C.1.13.2.3 PERSONNEL ROSTER

The Contractor shall submit a Personnel Roster as per Section C.1.6.

C.1.13.2.4 Certificate of Insurance

C.1.14 SECURITY

C.1.14.1 SEARCH AND SEIZURE

In accordance with 41 CFR Part 120-74, Facility Management, Contractor personnel and property shall be subject to search and seizure upon entering the federal complex. All persons and vehicles entering the installation will be subject to inspection for firearms, explosive, and dangerous weapons.

C.1.14.2 ACCESS TO SECURE AREAS

Access to Explosives Storage Area, Vehicle Impoundment Area, Log Truck Test Track, and Building 5008 or any future locations shall be coordinated through the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

C.1.14.3 ACCESS AND GENERAL PROTECTION/SECURITY POLICY AND PROCEDURES

The contractor and all associated subcontractors’ employees shall comply with applicable ERDC installation, access and local security policies and procedures. Policies and procedures will be provided by the ERDC Security Office. The contractor workforce must comply with all personal identity verification requirements as directed by DoD, HQDA, and local policies. 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.

C.1.14.4 SUITABILITY INVESTIGATION REQUIREMENTS

Contractor and employees of the contractor are required to be citizens of the United States and must maintain such status during the duration of this contract. Each of the Contractor’s employees is required to submit investigative paperwork for a National Agency Check with Written Inquiries (NACI) for a Suitability Investigation. The contractor shall ensure that each contractor employee coordinates with the Government Security Office and submits appropriate investigative forms and the required information for the Suitability Investigation prior to beginning work.

C.1.14.5 ONSITE ACCESS

The Government has the right to restrict on-site access to any contractor personnel who is identified as a potential threat to the health, safety, security, or operational mission of the Corps of Engineers.

C.1.15 SAFETY AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

The Contractor shall comply with all applicable provisions of EM 385-1-1 entitled "Safety and Health Requirements Manual.” The EM is available at http://www.hq.usace.army.mil

C.1.15.1. ACCIDENT PREVENTION PLAN (APP)

Contractor shall prepare and submit an APP to the COR for approval prior to start of on-site work. It shall be site specific and apply to the work being performed. The minimum basic outline for an APP is spelled out in EM 385-1-1. The APP will be strictly enforced by the ERDC Safety Environmental Management Office.

C.1.15.2. THE EXPLOSIVES STORAGE AREA

This area is designated as a "No Smoking" area. Personnel working in the area shall comply with all posted regulations. Extreme caution shall be used to prevent sparks and ricocheting of materials that might cause sparks.

C.1.15.3. ACCIDENT REPORTING

The Contractor shall maintain an accurate record of accidents resulting in traumatic injury or death, and of accidents resulting in damage to Government property, supplies, or equipment.

The Contractor shall report accidents in accordance with the requirements listed in EM-385-1-1 and AR 385-40 to the COR and Safety Office within 24 hours of the accident.

C.1.15.4. FIRE PROTECTION

The Contractor shall handle and store all combustible supplies, materials, waste and trash in a manner that prevents fire hazards to persons, facilities, and materials.

C.2. DEFINITIONS/ACRONYMS

As used throughout this PWS, acronyms shall have the meanings set forth below. This is not an all-inclusive list. Other acronyms and abbreviations are listed in applicable publications and in AR 310-50, Catalog of Abbreviations and Brevity Codes.

CDR Contract Discrepancy Report CLIN Contract Line Item Number CO Contracting Officer COR Contracting Officer's Representative DA Department of the Army DPW Directorate of Public Works DOD Department of Defense FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation GFE Government Furnished Equipment GFF Government Furnished Facility IAW In Accordance with OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration POC Point of Contact PRS Performance Requirements Summary PWS Performance Work Statement http://www.hq.usace.army.mil/

QA Quality Assurance QAE Quality Assurance Evaluator QAI Quality Assurance Inspector QASP Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan QC Quality Control SOW Statement of Work TE Technical Exhibit

C.2.1. DEFINITIONS

Special terms and phrases used herein shall have the meanings set forth below. This is not an all-inclusive list. The Contractor shall ensure that all terminology used in the PWS are understood by Contractor personnel. In the event that any term needs further explanation, the Contractor should request the COR to provide the necessary information.

Acceptable Quality Level (AQL): The maximum percent defective, the maximum number of defects per hundred units, or the number of defects in the lot that can be considered satisfactory on the average, or degree of deviation from perfect performance for such specific contract requirement before the Government will consider contract performance unacceptable.

As long as the defective performance does not exceed the AQL, the Government will not reject the services. However, performance at an AQL does not imply that the Contractor may knowingly perform in an unsatisfactory manner.

Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR): A report initiated by the Government, which the Contractor is required to complete whenever performance is unsatisfactory. The CDR requires the Contractor to explain, in writing, why performance was unsatisfactory, how performance will be returned to satisfactory levels, and the corrective action that will be taken to prevent recurrence.

Contract Line Item Number (CLIN): Specific line item tasks listed in the contract.

Contracting Officer (CO): A person duly appointed with the authority to enter into and administer Contracts on behalf of the Government.

Contracting Officer Representative (COR): Individual designated in writing by a Contracting Officer to act as his/her authorized representative within the scope and limitations as defined by the Contracting Officer.

Corrective Action: Consists of those efforts required to correct deficiencies, determine that other products are not similarly defective; and ensure deficiencies do not re-occur.

Cutting Season: The period during the year in which grass is maintained by mowing, trimming and edging. For the purpose of this Contract, the cutting season is defined as the period of March 1st through November 30th.

Damage: Ineffective technical assistance that is not readily noticeable at the time of delivery of the technical service.

Deduct: An action taken by the Government to reduce the Contract price when the Contractor does not provide a service or product meeting standards outlined in the specifications.

Defect: Each instance of non-compliance with a Contract requirement. A defect may be caused by either non-performance or poor performance. Each defect is subject to deductions.

Directorate of Public Works (DPW): The directorate with responsibility for maintenance of all facilities and grounds.

Environmental Protection: Formalized responsibilities, policies, and procedures established to preserve, protect, and restore the quality of navigable waters; near-shore, open, and any other surface waters; ground water; drinking water; land surface or subsurface area; and ambient air.

One-Hundred Percent (100%) Inspection: One-hundred percent inspection is surveillance of all the Contractor's work on a scheduled basis.

Percent of Sample Found Defective: Determined by dividing the number of defects by the sample size. When the reject number has been equaled or exceeded, this percentage is used to calculate an equitable deduction from the Contractor’s payments.

Performance Requirements Summary: Identifies the key product or service outputs of the contract that will be evaluated by the Government to assure contract performance of the Contractor meets established standards. (Other products or services may also be inspected under the authority of the Inspection of Services clause.) The PRS shows representative contract requirements, the component requirements related to each contract requirement, the price of each work requirement as a percentage of the associated contract requirement, the standard of performance, and the acceptable quality level (AQL) for each work requirement.

Performance Work Statement (PWS): A statement in the solicitation that identifies the technical, functional, and performance characteristics of the agency’s requirements. The PWS is performance-based and describes the agency’s needs (the “what”), not specific methods for meeting those needs (the “how”). The PWS identifies essential outcomes to be achieved, specifies the agency’s required performance standards, and specifies the location, units, quality and timeliness of the work.

Quality Assurance (QA): Those actions taken by the Government to determine that the services received meet the Contract requirements.

Quality Assurance Evaluators (QAE): Government employees responsible for checking Contractor performance.

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP): An organized written document used for quality assurance surveillance. The document contains sampling guides, checklists, and decision tables.

Quality Control (QC): Those actions taken by the Contractor to ensure that the standards and requirements of the Contract are met.

Restricted Area: Those areas designated by the Commander that require control of personnel for security and equipment for protection of personnel and property.

C.3. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES

C.3.1. GENERAL

The Government will offer the following Government-Furnished Property and Services on the Contract start date. Government-Furnished Property will be provided "as is" and shall be used exclusively in performance of the Contract. The Directorate of Public Works will provide the Contractor a location for a staging area located at SE of building 3280 for storage of all grass cutting equipment. The contractor will not be allowed to store equipment on the ERDC campus

C.3.2. UTILITIES AND SERVICES

The Government will provide water and electricity service to the Contractor's assigned main cantonment work area if necessary. The Government will provide neither natural gas service, sewer service, nor refuse collection service to the Contractor's work area.

C.3.3. MAPS DRAWINGS

The Government will furnish installation maps and drawings, which will show the location and approximate acreage of grounds to be mowed and trimmed by the Contractor. These maps will be digital and used to report mowing status to the Government.

C.4. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES

The Contractor shall provide everything necessary to fulfill the requirements of the Contract, except what is specified in C.3 GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES. All Contractor-furnished equipment shall meet all applicable Federal, State, local and Department of Defense and Army laws, codes, and regulations. Contractor-furnished equipment is subject to Government inspection.

C.4.1. EQUIPMENT GUIDELINES

The Contractor's equipment shall be equipped with protective and safety features, in good repair, and clean. The COR may require the Contractor to remove from the installation, Contractor-furnished equipment that is inoperable or unserviceable for any reason.

C.4.2. EQUIPMENT

The Contractor shall ensure that all safety guards and chains are in place and fully operational when mowers, trimmers and edgers are in use to prevent damage to trees, shrubs, structures, and injury to personnel and personal property. Equipment shall be of the type normally used for grass cutting operations appropriate to each mowing location. Hearing and Eye protection shall be used at all times while operating equipment.

C.4.2.1. RESTRICTIONS

Riding equipment shall not be used on the upstream or downstream slopes of the dam at Building 1006 nor in the Explosive Storage area. Riding equipment shall not be used on slopes that exceed a ratio of 1 vertical to 3 horizontal. All riding equipment used in mowing operations for Level I and Level II maintenance shall be equipped with turf type tires on all wheels (both front and rear). All self-propelled and walk behind equipment shall also be equipped with turf and not tractor type tires.

C.4.2.2. INSPECTIONS

The Contractor shall inspect equipment periodically in accordance with the approved schedule in the operating plan, and replace all broken, damaged, or badly worn parts and assemblies.

C.4.2.3. STORAGE

The contractor will not be allowed to store equipment on the ERDC campus.

C.4.2.4. OPERATION

Equipment shall be operated so as not to damage the turf, trees, or hit other obstructions.

Equipment shall not be operated in an unsafe manner including excess speed for existing conditions on operator ridden\driven equipment.

C.4.3. LICENSES AND PERMITS

The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining all required licenses and permits for performance of work, in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and in accordance with Contract requirements.

C.4.4. COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT

The Contractor shall provide a system of communication between his main office, all Contractor-furnished vehicles, key Contractor personnel, and the Government. The communications system shall be capable of transmitting and receiving from all locations on the ERDC Vicksburg military reservation where contract work is to be performed. Cellular telephones are acceptable.

C.5. SPECIFIC TASKS

C.5.1. INTRODUCTION

The Contractor shall mow, trim and edge grass on the designated areas. The areas to be maintained are divided into 5 maintenance levels as shown on the contract Technical Exhibits and drawings. Grass cutting for each area shall include a uniform cut over the entire area not to exceed the maximum height for that level. An area shall not be considered complete unless the entire area is mowed BELOW the maximum height requirement, trimmed, and edged as specified herein. Maintenance Levels I-V shall have a neat and clean appearance with no stickups and shall not exceed the Maximum height requirement and must be cut at a minimum of the frequency stated. Once an area is started, workers must remain in that area until it is finished. This includes removal of clippings as referenced in this section, paragraph C.5.2.1.1.

If an area is not below the maximum height requirement payment shall be withheld.

C.5.1.2 Summary of Requirements

Maintenance Level

Period Requirement Frequency

I March 1 - November 30

4 inch maximum height

Minimum twice per month

II March 1 - November 30

5 inch maximum height

Minimum once per month

III

March 1 - November 30

8 inch maximum height

Minimum May, July, September, November IV March 1 -

November 30 Cut to 4 inches Semiannually

May and October

V When Directed Cut to Directed Height

When Directed

Flower Bed Maintenance and Pruning of Shrubs

Minimum 3 inches of Mulch in Flower beds, see section

5.7

April, June, October (Crape Myrtle pruning in March)

Herbicide

No Vegetative growth, See

Paragraph 5.8

12 months per year

Leaf collection See Paragraph 5.10

November – February

Where Directed

Estimated Quantities:

Level I – 95 acres ERDC Level II – 56 acres ERDC, 53 acres Big Black Test Site Level III – 78 acres ERDC, 15 acres Flowers Site Level IV – 17 acres ERDC Level V – 95 acres ERDC

Flower Beds- 7,963 square yards Herbicide - 29,621 square yards

***Quantities are approximate it is recommended that all quantities are verified before bidding.***

C.5.2. LEVEL I GRASS CUTTING AND FINISH WORK

All areas located within this maintenance level shall have a neat and clean appearance with no stickups and shall not exceed the Maximum height of four (4) inches and must be cut at a minimum of twice per month from March – November. See Technical Exhibit 2.

C.5.2.1. GRASS CUTTING

Grass areas close or adjacent to buildings, hydrants, parking lots, manholes, fences, trees, hedges, and shrubs are included in mowing requirements, and may require hand mowing or trimming. If any bare ground within the limits of a lawn area becomes vegetated with grass, weeds, or other similar growths through natural spread, it shall be maintained as part of the basic contract.

C.5.2.1.1. MOWING

Mowing equipment shall have sharp cutting edges that produce a neat, clean, and even cut. Use of mowing equipment that is out of adjustment, thereby causing streaks or irregularities, uneven cutting, plowing, or gouging of the soil, is not permitted. After mowing, grass shall have a uniform height. Grass clippings shall be uniformly distributed over the mowed area, and shall not be windrowed or deposited in piles or clumps. Grass clippings and trimmings shall be removed from sidewalks and other paved areas the same day that the grass is cut.

C.5.2.1.2. TRIMMING

Trimming is an operation parallel to the ground. Trimming around trees, shelters, building foundations, and other obstructions shall only be accomplished with walk behind power mowers, string trimmers, and hand tools. Obstructions include but are not limited to: valve boxes, fences around sumps, meters in the ground, paved and unpaved drainage ditches, downspouts on buildings, piping and conduits at buildings, pumps and transformers, power and telephone poles and guide wires; individual plants and planting beds. The same height of cut being accomplished by the riding mower in that area shall be maintained when using hand mowers, trimmers and other hand tools.

Trimming shall occur in conjunction with each mowing.

C.5.2.1.3. EDGING

Edging is an operation perpendicular to the surface of the ground. All areas where grass meets a sidewalk, curb or pavement shall be edged so that there is no grass overhang. All grass on the non-turf side of the edging shall be removed at the same time and frequency of clippings on sidewalks, streets, parking lots, etc. Edging shall occur in conjunction with each mowing.

C.5.2.2. DEBRIS REMOVAL

Prior to cutting, any debris that would detract from the finished appearance of the cut or present a safety hazard shall be removed from within the maintenance area. Areas shall be cleared of litter, fallen bush, and tree limbs, up to 6" diameter at the large end, from each mowing area before mowing begins. Debris shall be collected and disposed of off- site daily during the mowing season. Surface drains and catch basins in the cutting areas shall be inspected after each mowing and cleared of any debris or vegetation that would dam or inhibit the flow of runoff water.

C.5.2.3. CLIPPINGS REMOVAL

All grass clippings shall be promptly removed from sidewalks, streets, parking lots and other affected paved areas on the same day the grass is cut trimmed or edged.

C.5.2.4. ERRANT GROWTH

No plant growth shall be allowed to grow from inside the valve boxes or cracks in equipment pads, drop inlets or catch basins.

C.5.2.5. SCALPING

Extreme care shall be taken by the Contractor to assure that no scalping occurs in any area or location. Should scalping occur, the Contractor shall be responsible for the immediate repair of the area by resodding with healthy grass sod.

C.5.3. MAINTENANCE LEVEL II

All areas located within this maintenance level shall have a neat and clean appearance with no stickups and shall not exceed the Maximum height of five (5) inches and must be cut at a minimum of once per month from March – November. See Technical Exhibit 2. All other requirements for Level II grass cutting are specified in section C.5.2., trimming, edging, debris, clippings, and scalping.

C.5.4. MAINTENANCE LEVEL III

All areas located within this maintenance level shall have a neat and clean appearance with no stickups and shall not exceed the Maximum height of eight (8) inches and must be cut at a minimum of May, July, September, and November during the cutting season. See Technical Exhibit 2. All other requirements for Level III grass cutting are specified in section C.5.2., trimming, debris, clippings, and scalping. Edging is not required.

C.5.5. MAINTENANCE LEVEL IV

All areas located within this maintenance level shall have a neat and clean appearance and shall be cut to a height of 4 inches twice per year. (Once in May and once in October.) See Technical Exhibit 2. All other requirements for Level IV grass cutting are specified in section C.5.2., trimming, debris, clippings, and scalping. Edging is not required.

C.5.6. MAINTENANCE LEVEL V

Covers the entirety of the ERDC. This Level will be used as requested by the COR to cut any areas, at any time, to meet any maintenance Level (Maintenance Levels I-IV).

C.5.7. FLOWER BED MAINTENANCE AND PRUNING OF SHRUBS

C.5.7.1 SCOPE: The work covered by this section consists of performing all operations in connection with Flower Bed Maintenance and hedges/shrubs/tree pruning. The contractor shall provide flower bed maintenance and pruning a minimum of 3 times a year in April, June, and October. (Crape Myrtles in March)

C.5.7.2 FLOWER BED MAINTENCE: The Contractor shall completely remove all weeds and grasses from areas located with-in the colored boundaries shown on planter bed drawings P- 156H. Pre-emergent weed control materials may be used as long as the shrubbery is not damaged (The contractor will be held liable for any shrubbery/trees damaged by Herbicide).

The Contractor shall install brown mulch in all flower bed maintenance areas to a minimum depth of 3 inches. All weeds, trash, dead leaves, and other dead plant growth shall be removed and disposed of off the premises by the contractor the same working day.

C.5.7.3 PRUNING OF SHRUBS: All shrubs, bushes, hedges, ivy, and other plants shall be trimmed or pruned, thinning out the superfluous wood leaving all lower branches, cutting back of the tops and sides as needed to present a good appearance and accordance with best horticulture practices and all plants shall keep a healthy and pleasing appearance. Shrubs and hedges shall not be permitted to grow up in front of windows, over entrances, or high enough to obstruct vision at intersections of adjacent streets. Prune shrubs adjacent to buildings and fences to provide a minimum of one foot clearance. Ivy ground covers shall be pruned to prevent them from growing on trunks of trees and on buildings. The contractor shall trim/prune crape myrtles once a year in March (this shall be included in CLIN XXX6). All trimmings resulting from work under this section shall be collected and disposed of off the premises by the contractor. For purposes of this section, shrubs are defined as a perennial plant having multi trunks with branches developing close to the ground. The sump #15 located at Gate #2 near building 1008, Gate One, Gate Six and Gate Seven shall also be included in up-keep. Hedges shall be trimmed at the level to be aesthetically pleasing and to insure the do not touch buildings, walkways, and roadsides and in manner to promote

Note: Provisions shall be made for unscheduled maintenance work that may be required between scheduled tasks in preparation for special high profile events held at the Laboratory/facilities such as building 1000, 1006, 3200, 3270 and 8000.

C.5.8 HERBICIDE APPLICATION

C.5.8.1 General Herbicide Application: The Contractor shall maintain the ERDC facilities by applying herbicide to the areas shown on drawings P-156H to insure no vegetative growth in these areas 12 months per years (CLIN XXX8). It is the contractor’s responsibility to observe these areas and proactively ensure no vegetation is growing. This requirement is not for monthly herbicide spraying but is to ensure areas are free of vegetation for 12 months per year. The COR will review these areas and ensure no vegetation is growing, if vegetation is growing in these areas the contractor will be asked to reapply herbicide and the monthly payment may be withheld.

C.5.8.2 General Practices:

All applicators shall comply with all applicable federal, state (MS) and herbicide manufacturer’s directions and requirements for handling herbicides including; storage, transportation, application, container disposal, and cleanup of spills.

C.5.8.3. Additional Herbicide Application: COR requested herbicide application. (Contract Line item CLIN XX12) This line item is for herbicide application by the Square yard to areas requested by the COR. These applications may be used for the entire ERDC facility. Herbicide treatments must meet the following minimum requirements. Areas shall be sprayed with herbicide containing at a minimum 41% Glyphosate and sprayed at a minimum rate of the manufacturer’s recommendation.

C.5.8.3.1 The contractor may be required to provide proof of herbicide used.

C.5.8.3.2 All actual pesticide applications by the Square Yard shall be recorded and submitted under Additional Optional Contract Line item (CLIN XX12). Additional spraying shall only be conducted at the request of the COR.

C.5.9.4 Spill Management:

All applicators shall carry a Spill Prevention and Control Plan. The Plan shall provide detailed descriptions on how to prevent a spill or ensure effective and timely containment of any chemical spill. The Spill Prevention and Control Plan shall include spill control, containment, clean up, and reporting procedures.

A spill kit shall be available to all persons making applications within 150 feet from the site of the application.

Spill Cleanup Kit: Each applicator vehicle carrying herbicides shall be equipped with a spill cleanup kit. The cleanup kit shall be capable of containing and holding at least 125% of the total mixture and concentrate that are present on the work site.

Spill Reporting: The applicator shall report all details of herbicide spills, exposure incidents, or accidents and/or worker health complaints, if any occur, to the Corps as soon as practicable (but NLT 24 hours after the incident or accident).

Mixing: Mixing (other than that of equipment that mixes internally as applications are being made) shall be performed within a temporary structure made of impermeable material such as plastic that is capable of containing at least 125% of the capacity of the spray tank that is being used, or on appropriate absorbent materials of sufficient capacity to absorb the entirety of that volume of the tank being mixed.

5.10 LEAF COLLECTION AND REMOVAL

The Contractor shall collect all leaves, pine straw, pinecones, limbs, and other debris from the improved grounds and present a clean, neat, and professional appearance of the installation.

December - February to areas specified by the COR, the area is not to exceed the area specified in CLIN (0007). The areas to receive Leaf Collection and Removal will be specified by the COR.

C.6. APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS

Publication No./ Section/Para/Line

Title

Date

CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS (CFR)

5 CFR, Part 2635 Standards of Ethical Conduct for

Employees of the Executive Branch Latest

41 CFR, Part 120-74 Facility Management Latest

USACE MANUALS AND REGULATIONS

EM 385-1-1 USACE Health and Safety Requirement

Manual Latest

ARMY REGULATIONS

AR 190-5 Motor Vehicle Traffic Supervision Latest AR 310-50 Catalog of Abbreviations and Brevity

Codes Latest

AR 385-40 Accident Reporting and Records Latest

USACE MANUALS AND REGULATIONS

ER 380-1-18 Technology Transfer, Disclosure of

Information and Contact with Foreign Representatives

Latest http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_05/5cfr2635_05.html http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_05/5cfr2635_05.html http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_04/41cfr102-74_04.html http://www.usace.army.mil/publications/eng-manuals/em.htm http://www.usace.army.mil/publications/eng-manuals/em.htm http://www.apd.army.mil/usapa_officialsite.htm http://docs.usapa.belvoir.army.mil/jw2/xmldemo/r385_40/cover.asp http://www.usace.army.mil/inet/usace-docs/eng-regs/er380-1-18/entire.pdf http://www.usace.army.mil/inet/usace-docs/eng-regs/er380-1-18/entire.pdf http://www.usace.army.mil/inet/usace-docs/eng-regs/er380-1-18/entire.pdf

C.6. Applicable Publications