A02__SOW.pdf

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Grounds Maintenance Services at Lake Shelbyville, Shelbyville, Illinois

1. GENERAL

1.1. Scope of Work. The Contractor shall furnish all equipment, material, supplies, and labor necessary to perform grounds maintenance services which include, but not limited to mowing; trimming; vegetative control (herbicide application) in riprapped areas, waste water treatment lagoons, unmowable areas, along guard rails, fences, sidewalks, beaches, parking lot areas, and along roadways; grass seeding; fertilizing; bed maintenance; balled and burlapped tree plantings; and renovation at Lake Shelbyville in accordance with the specifications contained herein.

All work shall be performed to the satisfaction of the Contracting Officer.

1.2. Intent. The intent of this contract is to maintain the vegetative growth of the lawn and mowing areas identified in this contract, and render the park areas and facilities presentable for the public’s use and administrative offices and buildings presentable for official business of the Corps of Engineers through the contracted efforts of the services described above in Section 1.1.

1.3. Project Description and Information. Lake Shelbyville is an 11,100 acre lake that is a very popular outdoor recreation destination for approximately 2.5 to 3.5 million people each year. The US Army Corps of Engineers manages a total of eleven recreation areas at Lake Shelbyville.

1.4. Contract Area.

1.4.1. General. All contract areas are located at Lake Shelbyville, Shelby and Moultrie Counties, Illinois. Work will be performed in recreational, administration, outlying areas and/or other areas set forth in the attached specifications and appendixes as specified herein and as directed by the KO and/or the COR. Areas to receive mowing, trimming, and vegetative control services are specified in Section B, Section C, and/or Appendix B.

1.4.2. Notice. Part of the work area is located in heavily used recreation areas. The work areas are timbered or landscaped with valuable plants including seedling trees and have other obstructions such as fire grills, picnic tables, water hydrants, sewer hookups, and private camping equipment. All of which require careful action taken while trimming.

1.4.3. Intensively Maintained Turf Areas. Type A mowed turf, primarily in the Main Dam, Spillway, and Beach areas, is managed for higher foot traffic. Management practices consist of fertilizing, aeration, and weed control. However the grass will grow faster and thicker in these areas.

1.4.4. Tree Limbs. Numerous trees are located in mowed areas and many of them have low limbs that can interfere with tractor mowing. The contractor shall be responsible for damage to any part of a tree and must still meet any trimming requirements.

1.4.5. Wet Conditions. The contractor should expect wet conditions during the contract period, especially during the spring season when the grass tends to grow faster. The contractor is responsible for providing adequate personnel and equipment to meet work schedules as stated.

1.5. Pre-bid Meeting and Site Visit. A pre-bid meeting and site visit will be held on 8th of February 2018 at 9:00AM at the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center, 1989 State Hwy 16 Shelbyville, IL 62565. For information regarding the meeting and site visit contact the Lake Shelbyville Project Office at (217) 774-3951 Ext: 7011 or 7020. All bidders are strongly encouraged to attend the pre-bid meeting and site visit. WARNING: IN NO EVENT SHALL A

FAILURE TO INSPECT THE SITE CONSTITUTE GROUNDS FOR WITHDRAWAL OF BID AFTER

OPENING.

1.6. Post Award Conference. A post award conference will be scheduled approximately 5 working days after the contract award date. The Contractor is required to attend this meeting.

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1.7. Quality Control Plan. At the post award conference and work site inspection, the Contractor shall furnish a Quality Control Plan to the COR for approval. Any changes to the approved plan shall be submitted to the COR for approval twenty-four hours prior to implementation of the Quality Control Plan change. Note: The Contractor’s initial Quality Control Plan and any changes must be approved by the COR before commencement of any work. The initial and each individual service Quality Control Plan shall include as a minimum the information shown in Section H.

1.8. Definitions.

1.8.1. Contractor. The term “Contractor” refers to the prime Contractor and all contractor employees and personnel.

The prime Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring all subcontractors comply with the provisions of this contract.

1.8.2. Contractor Representative. The term “Contractor Representative” refers to a foreman or superintendent, assigned to represent the interests of the Contractor with regards to all matters involving the contract.

1.8.3. Contracting Officer. The term "Contracting Officer" (KO) means the person executing this contract on behalf of the Government, and any other officer or civilian employee who is properly designated Contracting Officer. The term includes, except as otherwise provided in this contract, the authorized representative of a Contracting Officer (COR) acting within the limits of their authority.

1.8.4. Contracting Officer Representative (COR). The person authorized in writing as the Authorized Representative of the Contracting Officer.

1.8.5. Quality Control. The term “Quality Control” refers to the action taken by the Contractor and/or their personnel to document, inspect, and control performance of services to ensure they meet the specifications and requirements of this contract.

1.8.6. Quality Assurance. The term “Quality Assurance” refers to action taken by the government to ensure the Contractor’s quality control system is functioning and effective, and the Contractor is providing services, which are in accordance with this contract.

1.8.7. Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). This is a detailed plan defining Government inspection methods (see Appendix C)

1.8.8. Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR). A CDR is a formal document used by the Government to process defects in services (see Appendix C). As initially issued to the Contractor, the CDR describes the discrepancy or problem. The CDR will be discussed with the Contractor or his representative when it is issued. The Contractor shall provide his written response on the CDR form within 24 hours of issuance. The Contractor's response must (1) identify the cause and corrective action taken, and (2) identify Contractor action to prevent recurrence.

1.8.8.1. The KO will evaluate the Contractor's response and take appropriate action, which may include making necessary deductions. Upon finalization of the CDR, the Contractor and the KO must sign the form.

The Contractor will be given a copy of the completed form. Should the Contractor not concur with any decision, etc., the Contractor may so state, in writing, and request a final decision by the KO. The KO monitors all CDR's issued, and the CDR's are the principle evidence used by the KO in determining government contract actions such as termination or decision not to exercise options.

1.9. Safety.

1.9.1. General. All work shall be performed in accordance with safety requirements set forth in the most up to date United States Army Corps of Engineers Manual, EM 385-1-1, entitled “Safety and Health Requirement Manual”, and all other current revisions. Copies of the Safety Manual are available online at the USACE publications site: http://www.publications.usace.army.mil/. The Contractor shall be responsible for complying with the current edition and all changes posted on the web. All equipment and materials will be inspected by the Government. The COR will notify the Contractor of any noncompliance with these provisions. The Contractor shall, after receipt of such notice, immediately take corrective action. Such notice, when delivered

C-3 to the Contractor, shall be deemed sufficient for the purpose. If the Contractor fails or refuses to comply promptly, the COR may issue an order stopping all or part of the work until satisfactory corrective action has been taken. No part of the time lost due to any such stop orders shall be made the subject of claim for extension of time or for excess costs or damages by the Contractor. Compliance with the provisions of this clause by subcontractors will be the responsibility of the Contractor.

1.9.2. Safety Exposure Report. Contractor shall submit, in writing, a monthly safety exposure report. The report shall be submitted by the fifth (5th) working day of the following month, (i.e. January’s report is due by the fifth working day of February). This report shall include (1) the total employee hours worked by employees during the preceding month, and (2) detailed descriptions of any accidents or injuries sustained on the project by their employees during the preceding month, including copies of documents for claims under Workman’s Compensation. Safety Exposure Example: Month of October Mowing (5) People at six (6) hours per day for ten (10) equals (=) three hundred (300) man-hours; Trimming two (2) People four (4) hours per day two (2) days = sixteen (16) man-hours; Total man hours for month of October equals three hundred sixteen (316).

1.9.3. Accident Prevention Program. The Contractor shall develop and submit an Accident Prevention Program using the form located in Appendix A prior to commencing work.

1.9.4. Specific. Following are accident prevention requirements specifically applicable to this work. However, they should not be construed to be all-inclusive. The Safety and Health Requirements Manual, referenced in Paragraph 1.3.1 is mandatory and pertinent provisions will be applied to all work under the jurisdiction of the Corps of Engineers. Paragraph references are to EM 385-1-1.

1.9.4.1. Provide rollover protective structure (ROPS) to comply with paragraph 16.B.12.

1.9.4.2. Provide and use seat belts (tractors equipped with ROPS), paragraph 16.B.08.

1.9.4.3. Use high visibility work vests when working on or near roads, paragraph 05.A.11.

1.9.4.4. Carry and store gasoline only in approved safety containers, paragraph 09.B.

1.9.4.5. Use and maintain guards on equipment, paragraph 16.B.03 and 16.B.07.

1.9.4.6. Use safety shoes when using mower, paragraph 05.A.08.

1.9.4.7. Use "Slow Moving Vehicle" signs on tractors, paragraph 08.A.04

1.9.4.8. Use eye and/or face protection devices, Section 05.B.

1.9.4.9. Use ear protection while operating weed eaters, Section 05.C.

1.9.4.10. Report all accidents resulting in lost time and/or property damage incidents resulting in $250.00 or more to the Contracting Officer, within two (2) working days. Loss of life, incidents with public persons or any accident regardless of consequences if it is suspected that it will result in unfavorable criticism of the Corps of Engineers is to be immediately reported to the Contracting Officer, Section 01.D.

1.9.4.11. No alcohol or drugs permitted during working hours, paragraph 01.C.02.

1.9.4.12. Provide suitable size, immediately accessible, fire extinguishers on equipment and vehicles, Section

09.E.

1.9.4.13. Provide a 16-unit first aid kit containing the minimum fill contents (EM 385-1-1 Table 3-1) and one pocket mouth piece or CPR barrier at each job site when employees are present and working. Section 03.B. First-Aid Kits

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1.10. Security. The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining recreation area security during the performance of this contract at all times that facilities are to be closed to the public. The Contractor shall lock gates to recreation areas that are closed to the public while in areas and upon departure from areas.

1.10.1. Access and General Protection/Security Policy and Procedures. All contractors 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/facility 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 (FAR clause 52.204-9, Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel) as directed by DOD, HQDA and/or local policy. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes clause of this contract, should the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) at any installation or facility change, the Government may require changes in contractor security matters or processes

1.10.1.1. For contractors who do not require CAC, but require access to a DoD facility or installation.

Contractor and all associated sub-contractors employees shall comply with adjudication standards and procedures using the National Crime Information Center Interstate Identification Index (NCIC-III) and Terrorist Screening Database (TSDB) (Army Directive 2014-05 / AR 190-13), applicable installation, facility and area commander installation/facility access and local security policies and procedures (provided by government representative, as NCIC and TSDB are available), or, at OCONUS locations, in accordance with status of forces agreements and other theater regulations.

1.10.2. Suspicious Activity Reporting Training (e.g. iWATCH, CorpsWatch, or See Something, Say Something).

The contractor and all associated sub-contractors shall receive a brief/training (provided by the project office) on the local suspicious activity reporting program. This locally developed training will be used to inform employees of the types of behavior to watch for and instruct employees to report suspicious activity to the project manager, security representative or law enforcement entity. This training shall be completed within 30 calendar days of contract award and within 30 calendar days of new employees commencing performance with the results reported to the COR NLT 5 calendar days after the completion of the training

1.10.3. Contractor will be escorted in areas where they may be exposed to classified and/or sensitive materials and/or sensitive or restricted areas. The contractor will coordinate with the COR and/or the facility security office for access when required. (Use when security clearances are not required, i.e. facility repair or construction). All contract employees, including subcontractor employees who are not in possession of the appropriate security clearance or access privileges, will be escorted in areas where they may be exposed to classified and/or sensitive materials and/or sensitive or restricted areas.

1.10.4. Pre-screen candidates using E-Verify Program. The Contractor must pre-screen Candidates using the E-verify Program (http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify) website to meet the established employment eligibility requirements. The Vendor must ensure that the Candidate has two valid forms of Government issued identification prior to enrollment to ensure the correct information is entered into the E-verify system. An initial list of verified/eligible Candidates must be provided to the COR no later than 3 business days after the initial contract award." *When contracts are with individuals, the individuals will be required to complete a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, with the designated Government representative. This Form will be provided to the Contracting Officer and shall become part of the official contract file

1.11. Access. The Contractor shall be responsible for access to, into, and through all locations. Access to locations may or may not be through locked barricades or gates on Government property and shall be by routes approved by the COR in advance prior to entry.

1.12. Report Unusual Conditions. The Contractor shall inform the COR of any unusual conditions observed such as but not limited to dumping, vandalism, water leaks, or changes in the surface of the main dam such as depressions or erosion.

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1.13. Vehicle Use. The contractor shall not drive licensed vehicles off the paved or gravel access roads onto the grass at anytime without prior approval of the COR. All damage from off road vehicle use shall be repaired to original conditions at the contractor's expense. The speed of the vehicles and mowing equipment will be monitored and any violations will be brought to the contractor’s attention. Citations can be issued by the park rangers for failure to observe posted speed limits and careless and negligent use of vehicles or equipment. If these vehicle use requirements are violated, action can be taken under the safety requirements of this contract. Complaints from our customers will usually be considered to be valid and actions can be taken.

1.14. Damage to Government Property. It is the contractor's responsibility in the course of performing the contractual work to guard against destruction, injury, defacement, removal or any alteration of public property including, but not limited to developed facilities and vegetative growth. In the event public property is damaged it is the contractor's responsibility to notify the COR of damage within 24 hours. Upon approval of the COR, replacement or repair shall be made within 10 calendar days of the incident. Under no circumstance shall trees or shrubs be damaged by trimming equipment. Small trees can be easily girdled and killed using string trimmers ("weed eaters"). All trees and shrubs severely damaged or killed as a result of a contractor's trimming or mowing activities shall be replaced at contractor's expense according to guidelines and specifications supplied by the COR. If trees or shrubs are to be replaced the Government will assign a planting date during the next spring or fall planting season.

1.15. Customer Service. This work will be performed on public lands and will be witnessed by the public. Since the public is our customer the contractor will be expected to treat the public with respect. This includes mowing and trimming so that debris is deflected away from people and equipment to avoid accidents. It also means working with people to have a minimum impact on their plans to use the facilities (An example of this would be delaying the mowing of a campsite to avoid spreading dust while campers are eating a meal). The Contractor shall be required to cooperate and coordinate with the COR any operations in and around any other Contractors work crews or Government employees which may be working within the contract areas. It should be noted that the schedules and assignments must still be accomplished while meeting the needs of our customers. Contractor shall notify the COR of any campsites that were not mowed or trimmed due to customer service.

1.16. Changes. The Government reserves the option, should it become necessary, to decrease, increase, or eliminate services, service frequencies and/or facility quantities in any or all recreation areas or portions of recreation areas.

The Government may, at any time during the duration of this contract, open or close recreation area or any portion of a recreation area and add or delete services in a recreation area. In addition, the Contracting Officer may, on special occasions such as major holidays or special events, change or reschedule a service frequency in order to provide for public safety and avoid conflicts with increased visitation. In the event changes occur, the KO or COR will notify the Contractor a minimum of 24 hours prior to the changes.

1.17. The Government regularly uses volunteers to supplement work facilitated on the Lake Shelbyville Project. As stated, the Government reserves the right to use, at any time, volunteers to complete any of the work stated in this

1.18. Recreation Area Upgrades and Additions. The Government reserves the right to make modifications and/or add landscape structures within the existing mowing limits during the contract period. This may include but not limited to planting of trees, shrubs, native grass areas, installing fences, and other facility improvements. Items such as posts, rocks, and similar items may be added at the rate of about 25 to 50 items per year. It is the contractor's responsibility to account for this in their bid and no additional payments will be allowed for this work. No payment or considerations shall be due to the Contractor for such additions or physical upgrades to recreation areas.

1.19. Service Schedule.

1.19.1. Notification. The COR will notify the contractor a minimum of 5 days prior to commencing work with no less than $2,500 worth of services to be completed . After the Contractor has been notified, a written assignment schedule will be made available to the contractor. The written assignment schedule will include the starting date and the progressive order of areas to be serviced. The government reserves the right to designate the starting point and sequence of mowing areas. Work shall not begin before the assigned starting date. All Type A Mowing shall be completed within five (5) working days from the assigned starting date.

All Type B Mowing shall be completed within ten (10) working days. Type B Mowing may run

C-6 simultaneously with Type A Mowing depending on schedule. All Lawn Maintenance assignments shall be completed within two (2) days of the scheduled starting date of assignment. The order of mowing can be changed by mutual consent of the contractor and the COR. The COR will grant fair and reasonable time extension in the event of inclement weather or unsuitable ground conditions. Under such conditions the Contractor can request an inspection of ground conditions by the COR to determine if conditions become too severe or impractical to continue the assignment. Note: The COR can require all areas to be completed during a single assignment.

1.19.2. Service Schedule Requirements. No work will be permitted on Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays unless this restriction is specifically waived by the COR. In campgrounds (all areas controlled by fee booths or designated as a group camp area) work will be permitted between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Work in all of the other areas will be permitted from 7 a.m. to a half hour after sunset. No chemicals can be applied on Friday thru Sunday or within 10 day of a holiday when the recreation areas are open to the public unless otherwise approved by the COR. All work in one area shall be completed and an inspection requested before moving to another area. With permission of the COR the contractor may work in different recreation areas with separate and different work crews. However, all work must still be completed and an inspection requested before each crew moves to another area. Inspections will be made only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.

1.20. Insurance Requirement. As required by the Contract Clause entitled “Insurance Work on a Government

Installation”, the Contractor shall furnish to the KO, prior to the commencement of work, a certificate or written statement as evidence of the minimum insurance required.

1.21. Contractor Availability.

1.21.1. Meetings. During the course of this contract, the Contractor or an authorized representative shall meet with the COR each working day. Meetings may be in person at the Administration Office or by phone during normal working hours between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. If a CDR is issued, mutual effort will be made to resolve all problems identified to preclude their recurrence. The COR may reduce the frequency of these meetings if mutually agreeable between the COR and the Contractor.

1.21.2. Electronic Communication. The Contractor shall maintain an electronic communication system to receive messages (cell phone, beeper, and/or radio tuned to the Corps' frequency). If the COR leaves a message between the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., the Contractor shall call back within 30 minutes of the time the message is left. The Contractor shall provide crew leaders a communication system with numbers furnished to the Government. The system provided shall ensure communications between the Government and the Contractor crew leader(s) during all hours of scheduled work.

1.22. Personnel Requirement.

1.22.1. Labor Requirements. The Contractor shall furnish employees required to satisfactorily perform the work described herein. The Contractor must submit a list of employees that includes contact information to the COR before any work commences.

1.22.2. Supervision. The Contractor shall establish a defined chain of command including Contractor

Representatives, Quality Control Inspectors, and crew leaders. The Contractor Representative and Quality Control inspectors shall ensure compliance with contract specifications. The Contractor Representatives and/or Quality Control personnel shall be required to have a copy of the contract in their possession at all times for referral concerning questions of Contractor responsibility.

1.22.2.1. Contractor Representative. The Contractor shall appoint in writing, subject to the approval of the

COR, a minimum of two Contractor Representatives to serve as supervisors. A minimum of one Supervisor will be on the job site at all times during scheduled mowing services and have full authority and power to act for the Contractor on items pertaining to overall work performance, management, coordination and supervision, whenever work specified herein is being performed. The Contractor Representative serves as the central point of contact with the Government for performance of all work

C-7 under this contract. The Contractor Representative shall deal directly with the COR for normal day-to-day administration of this contract. These individuals may also serve as Quality Control inspectors, provided that their job performance in each category is maintained at an acceptable level to the COR.

1.22.2.2. Quality Control Inspector. The Contractor is responsible for insuring that all work performed under this contract, including any performed by subcontractors, is in accordance with the specifications. To accomplish this, the Contractor shall appoint in writing, subject to the approval of the COR, two Quality Control inspectors, who shall be responsible for the requirements set forth in this contract.

1.22.2.3. Crew Leader. The Contractor shall designate a responsible employee in each work crew to act as work leader, and to complete a daily activity report, which is to be submitted to the COR by 8:00 AM the following day on which services are performed under this contract. The daily activity report for each work crew shall include, as a minimum crew leader’s name; date, crew designation; list of location, bid item, time completed; location of non-serviced items; list of any damage or vandalism.

1.22.3. Contractor’s Employees. The majority of work will be performed in the presence of the general public; thus conduct of all employees is critical and will be closely monitored. The Contractor or their employees while performing work under this contract shall consume no alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs and shall remain fully clothed. The COR may require the Contractor to immediately remove any employee of the Contractor from the worksite who endangers persons or property. Notification shall be by telephone or in person and shall be confirmed in writing as soon as possible. No such removal however, will reduce the Contractor’s obligation to perform all work required under this contract.

2. INSPECTIONS

2.1. Contractor Quality Control. The Contractor is required to establish and maintain an adequate quality control system to satisfactorily inspect and ensure that all work performed by the Contractor's organization is in full compliance with this contract. The Contractor shall designate, in writing, Quality Control inspectors, whose duty shall be to verify contract compliance of all work performed, to include reviewing each work leader's daily activity report to ensure that it is legible, understandable, and complete, and to notify the COR of anything requiring his/her immediate attention. The Contractor Quality Control inspectors shall provide the COR with a copy of all Quality Control reports by 8:00 AM of the following day on which services are performed under this contract.

2.2. Contractor Quality Control Plan. The Contractor is responsible for establishing and maintaining a complete quality control system to insure satisfactory performance of all sections of the contract. This will be assured by the development of a comprehensive Quality Control Plan by the Contractor and supplied to the Contracting Officer at the pre-work conference for acceptance prior to initiating work. If the plan is judged not to be adequate and is disapproved by the Government, the Contractor must revise the plan and submit it to the Contracting Officer for acceptance within five (5) working days.

2.3. Government Quality Assurance. The Government will monitor and inspect the Contractor's operation to ensure the Quality Control Plan is in place and is working, and that the Contractor's performance meets all contract specifications. The Government will monitor the Contractor's service performance through a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP), see Appendix C, utilizing the random sampling, periodic inspection, customer input, or contractor self-reporting methods. The Government reserves the right to alter or change the type of inspection plan at its discretion at any time, and to make deductions accordingly. The QASP is included for information purposes only, and will not be made part of any resulting contract.

2.4. Re-performance and Re-inspection. The Government may require the Contractor to re-perform services, which are found to be deficient by the Quality Assurance inspector. Should it become necessary for the Government Quality Assurance inspector to perform re-inspections of defective work that was required to be redone (due to failure of the Contractor's Quality Control system to locate and cure these deficiencies prior to the initial Quality Assurance inspection), there will be a re-inspection charge. These charges will be deducted, in accordance with the QASP, from the Contractor's monthly invoice.

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2.5. Performance Evaluation Meetings. The Contractor, his/her Contractor Representative, and/or Quality Control inspectors shall meet with the COR as often as determined necessary by the COR in order to discuss performance.

Mutual effort will be made to resolve any and all problems identified.

3. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

3.1.1. General. This paragraph prescribes actions required for the prevention of environmental pollution during and as the result of operations under this contract. For the purpose of this specification, environmental pollution is defined as the presence of chemicals, physical or biological elements or agents which adversely affect human health or welfare; unfavorably alter ecological balances of importance to human life; affect other species of importance to human life; or degrade the utility of the environment for aesthetic and recreational purposes.

The control of environmental pollution requires consideration of air, water, and land and involves noise, solid waste management, and management of radiant energy, and radioactive materials, as well as other pollutants.

3.1.2. Protection of Land Resources. The areas on which the work is to be performed under this contract, and the land resources adjacent thereto, shall be preserved in their present condition.

3.1.3. Protection of Water Resources. Lakes, ditches, rivers, canals, waterways, or reservoirs shall not be polluted with fuels, oil, bitumen’s, calcium chloride, insecticides, herbicides, or other similar materials harmful to fish, shell fish, wildlife, or materials which may be detrimental to outdoor recreation.

3.1.4. Disposal of Materials. The methods and locations of disposal of materials, wastes, effluents, trash, garbage, oil, grease, chemicals, and other like materials shall be approved by the COR.

3.1.5. Permits and Responsibilities. The contractor shall, without additional expense to the Government, be responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses and permits, and for complying with any applicable Federal, State, and Municipal laws, codes, and regulations, in connection with the execution of the work. The contractor shall be similarly responsible for all damages to persons or property that occur as a result of their fault or negligence; shall take proper safety and health precautions to protect the work, the public, and all the property of others; shall also be responsible for all materials delivered and work performed until completion and acceptance of the contract.

3.2. Removal of Equipment and Other materials. Upon completion of mowing in each area, the contractor shall remove from the site of work, all equipment, unused materials, and any waste materials and rubbish resulting from the operation performed herein.

3.3. Property Storage. The Contractor will not be allowed to store any property on Government property unless approved in advance by the COR. If approval is given for property storage, the Government assumes no responsibility for the safety or security of property left on Government property. Property shall be removed from the work site as soon as possible after the completion of the work described herein.

3.4. Payment. Payment will be made monthly or more frequently if deemed to be in the best interest of the Government, for the work actually performed during the billing period at the applicable contract unit price, as soon as practicable, after acceptance of the work performed and upon receipt of the correct invoice. Each invoice shall contain the following information.

3.4.1. Contractor’s name and address as it appears on the contract,

3.4.2. Contract number and Delivery Order Number/Task Order Number, if applicable,

3.4.3. Contract description of supplies or services as specified,

3.4.4. Quantities,

3.4.5. Unit,

3.4.6. Unit price,

3.4.7. Extended totals, and

3.4.8. Man-hours worked.

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4. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS.

4.1. General. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, and materials except for those mentioned in Section 3 to complete the work described herein. Equipment and materials used to accomplish the assignments shall be suitable to perform the work as described herein. Mowers and trimmers shall be equipped with manufacturer's recommended safety protective devices to ensure worker and public safety at all times. Equipment shall be inspected daily by the contractor and maintained in good working condition. The COR reserves the right to reject any equipment not designed properly for its intended use or not maintained properly.

4.1.1. Type A Mower. Type A mowing includes large areas of turf in a heavily used recreation area, as well as campgrounds, campsites, and etc. No brush and bar type mowers are acceptable. Mowers shall be equipped so that scalping of the turf does not occur. Mowers must have effective deflection devices to allow discharged materials to be directed away from people and facilities. It is understood that deflection devices may make it more difficult to mow. It is the contractor’s responsibility to adhere to the contract specifications. Deflectors shall be used or work will be stopped. Discharge openings must be designed to eliminate objects being thrown out from under the mowing deck. The mower shall be equipped with tires designed not to leave cleat or lug marks. Type A Mowers shall be used for all bid items specified on the bidding schedule as Type A.

4.1.2. Main Dam. To mow the Main Dam a mower designed for use on slopes of approximately 1 on 4 or steeper slopes shall be used. The mower shall be equipped with tires specifically designed to prevent damage and rutting when used on steep slopes. Only equipment approved by the COR for mowing on the Main Dam shall be allowed for this type use.

4.1.3. Type B Mower. Mowers shall be of suitable size to mow all vegetative growth including brush, sprouts, and trees up to two inch (diameter). Each pass shall overlap the previous pass so that no uncut strips of turf remain. Type B Mowers shall be used for all bid items specified on the bidding schedule as Type B. A smaller brush cutter, such as a DR brand field and brush cutter, may be required in tight spaces and between trees to accomplish the required Type B mowing in the defined areas.

4.1.4. Lawn Maintenance. Mowers shall be equipped to catch the clippings or mulch the grass effectively while mowing the lawns. Clippings shall be removed or mulched while mowing the lawns not after. If needed the COR will designate an area on government land for all of the grass clippings to be placed. Mowers shall be equipped so that scalping of the turf does not occur. The mower shall be equipped with tires designed not to leave cleat or lug marks. Lawn Maintenance mowers shall be used for all bid items specified on the bidding schedule as Lawn Maintenance.

4.2. Trimmers and Vegetation Control. Equipment or methods used for trimming or vegetative control work shall not harm, deface, destroy, remove, or alter trees, landscape plantings, or developed facilities (includes sign posts). All trimming and vegetative control equipment or methods must be submitted in a written work plan and approved by the COR before any work begins.

4.3. Vehicles. All vehicles used in performance of this contract shall be kept clean. Vehicles shall be clearly marked with an all-weather identification sign showing in 1-1/2" or larger letters, the Contractor's name, type of business, and address.

4.4. Approval of Equipment/Material List. Prior to commencing work the Contractor shall: (i) submit to the COR a written statement identifying the grade, type, quantity, mixture, and manner of application of all materials to be used during the contract period and (ii) provide a list of all equipment available to perform the services listed in this

4.5. Equipment Inspections. The COR reserves the right to inspect all equipment and materials at any time while tasks are being performed under this contract. All material, equipment, and operating procedures must be approved by the COR prior to the commencement of work and prior to implementing any changes.

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4.6. Safety Data Sheets. The Contractor shall provide “Safety Data Sheets” from the manufacturers of all herbicides or any other supplies of a chemical nature used in the operation of this contract. The Contractor shall submit “Safety Data Sheets” to the COR five (5) working days prior to beginning to using the items mentioned.

4.7. Fire Protection

4.7.1. Vehicle and Mowers. All vehicles and riding mowers must have a fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of

2-A:B:C.

4.7.2. Fuel Storage Vehicle. Any vehicle which stores five gallons or more of fuel must have a fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 20-B:C.

4.7.3. Location. All fire extinguishers must be mounted so that they are easily visible and detach easily from their mount for use.

5. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED MATERIALS.

5.1.1. Keys will be provided by the Government. If key(s) are lost and/or not returned, a deduction fee of $500.00 per key will be made from the Contractor’s invoice. Keys will not be reproduced by the Contractor. The Contractor will supply, and update as needed, a list of employees who have keys and which keys they have been issued.

6. TYPE A MOWING, TYPE B MOWING, AND LAWN MAINTENANCE (ITEMS xx01-xx31)

6.1. General. Areas to be mowed under Type A Mowing shall be cut to a maximum height of three (3) inches. Type A Mowing shall be completed within five (5) working days from the assigned starting date. Areas to be mowed under Type B work shall be cut to a maximum height of six (6) inches. Type B Mowing shall be completed within ten

(10) working days from the assigned starting date. Areas to be mowed under Lawn Maintenance shall be cut to a maximum height of three (3) inches and no less than two (2) inches. Lawn Maintenance shall be completed within two (2) working days from the assigned starting date. NOTE: THE CONTRACTOR SHALL NOTIFY THE COR

A MINIMUM OF TWO (2) HOURS BEFORE COMPLETING AN AREA SO THAT THE AREA CAN BE

INSPECTED UPON COMPLETION. ALL WORK IN AN AREA SHALL BE COMPLETED BEFORE

BEGINNING WORK IN OTHER AREAS. With permission of the COR, the contractor may work in different recreation areas with separate and different work crews; however all work including trimming and/or spraying must be completed and inspected before each crew moves to another area. In the event that the area is completed after 3:00 PM. when quality assurance inspectors are unavailable, the contractor may move to another location.

However, the contractor is responsible for returning to the area to correct any problems found on the next day’s inspection. Quality Assurance Inspectors will be available from 8:00 AM until 3:00 PM Monday-Friday. No work will be permitted on Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays unless this restriction is specifically waived by the Contracting Officer. Work will be permitted inside the campgrounds between the hours of 7:00 AM until 8:00 PM or sunset (whichever is earlier). Inhabited picnic or campsites shall be trimmed or mowed using extreme care, and with the discharge directed away from inhabitants, facilities, sidewalks, roadways, and equipment.

6.2. Trimming and/or spraying. Trimming and/ or spraying is a requirement of all mowing including Type A, Type B, and Lawn Maintenance Mowing. During each mowing operation, trimming is required around trees, shrubs, flower beds, bushes, campsites, water fountains and hydrants, parking lot islands, picnic sites, playgrounds, amphitheaters, and under picnic tables, fences, guardrails, grills, trash receptacles, buildings, carsonite posts, picnic shelters, signs, guard posts, telephone switch boxes, water meter boxes, manholes, piezometers, culverts, campsite electrical posts, electric distribution panels, electric transformers, landscape rocks, parking blocks, curbing, sewer lift stations, amphitheaters, beach sidewalks, sprayer heads, instrumentation meters, wastewater holding ponds, fishing ponds, transition zones between riprap and mowed areas, transition zones between the shorelines and the mowing boundaries, and similar items within areas inside boundary limits shall be accomplished. The transition zone shall be a minimum of 6 feet from within rip rap to grass or from shoreline to grass. Note: As water recedes, sand, limbs, rocks and other debris will often appear within the mowing boundaries. The contractor shall be responsible to remove all debris and obtain whatever equipment is necessary to mow the areas in the above described conditions. String trimmers will not be permitted immediately adjacent to trees, shrubs, shrub beds or bushes due to mechanical girdling of cambium layers as a result trimming operations. The contractor shall be

C-11 required to maintain herbicide band in a minimum of 9” to a 15” maximum radius from the vegetative root color to eliminate mechanical injury. Herbicide application may be used in lieu of string trimmers around items with prior approval from the COR. However in no instance will spraying exceed fifteen (15) inches from any item and spraying will not be allowed on slopes where erosion can occur, trimming will be required around these items. After the first mowing cycle, all items that require spraying must be free of living vegetation by the end of each mowing cycle. All dead vegetation over three (3) inches must be cut or pulled and removed.

6.3. After mowing or trimming is complete in an area, no grass clippings or debris shall be left on sidewalks, trails, picnic shelters, fountain and hydrant pads, steps, concrete pads, campsites, roadways, parking lots, plant beds, buildings and any other facilities.

6.4. Mowing and trimming in some areas may consist primarily of cutting shrub and tree sprouts and low lying stumps until grass is established. The terrain may be rough with holes, roots, and rocks. In some areas larger rocks may have to be removed prior to mowing. Some areas will be too narrow between trees to mow with a mower and will need to be maintained by other means.

6.5. Breakdown of equipment does not relieve the contractor of completing the work required on schedule.

6.6. The Contractor shall pick up any litter or trash within all mowing areas including sidewalks, parking lots, roadways, ditches, and transition zones within or adjacent to mowing areas. Trash or litter shall be placed in the nearest trash dumpster or receptacle. Any litter scattered by mowing and trimming equipment shall be picked up and placed in nearest trash dumpster or receptacle. Litter or trash, includes but not limited to, all garbage, paper, metal, plastic, and glass materials, including cigarette butts and bottle caps, extinguished fire ring trash materials, dead fish/animals, and animal feces.

6.7. All natural debris such as tree limbs, sticks/branches, rocks, and other debris not suitable for mowers to pass over without damage to the mower or potential danger to the public of discharged debris shall be removed out of the mowing limits by the Contractor.

6.8. Mowing will not be permitted when ground conditions are such that mowing operations will cause wheel rutting.

Equipment shall be operated in such a manner that will prevent the wheels from tearing the turf. The mowed grass shall have a uniform height that is even across the top without uncut strips of vegetation, scalping, rutting, windrowing, or layering of cut grass. When areas of vegetation are newly seeded or too wet to mow with tractors or mowers, the contractor must cut vegetation to the required height by other means.

6.9. Portions of recreation areas and along roadways have steeply inclined slopes that are required to be mowed.

6.10. Any roads, parking lots, sidewalks, or trails that are not specifically marked or included in the mowing maps attached (Appendix B) but within the areas to be mowed, shall be mowed for a distance of 10 feet from their outer edge where applicable.

6.11. The limits of mowing at intersections shall be determined by the COR to provide a safe viewing distance for vehicles approaching intersections.

6.12. Signs (ITEM xx14). All vegetation shall be cut for a distance of six (6) feet and to a maximum height of three (3) inches around directional signs located outside the boundary limits of the recreation areas where applicable. These signs include but not limited to signs noted in Appendix B. Appendix B notes the GPS coordinate locations of these signs; GPS coordinates may not be exact. Bid price for line item shall include all signs as one quantity.

6.13. Meter Boxes/Distribution Panels/Transformers. A path at least six (6) feet in width and a maximum height of three

(3) inches shall be cut from the nearest paved road to the water meter boxes, electrical distribution panels, and electric transformers in all recreation areas. All vegetation shall also be cut for a distance of five (5) feet and to a maximum height of three (3) inches around the meter boxes, distribution panels, and transformers.

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6.14. All vegetation shall be removed from all rock areas around the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center. This will result in the rocked area being free of all living vegetation. All dead of living vegetation shall be removed from sidewalks, all concrete surfaces including the dumpster storage area, weather station, and parking lots.

6.15. Pollinator Fields. Areas within recreation areas designated as pollinator fields include but are not limited to areas noted in Appendix B. The contractor shall trim around all items listed in Section 6.2 within these pollinator fields.

NO SPRAYING WILL BE PERMITTED IN LIEU OF TRIMMING WITHIN POLLINATOR FIELDS. A

minimum six (6) foot wide path shall be mowed around the outside perimeter of all pollinator fields. Any pollinator field severely damaged as a result of a contractor's trimming or mowing activities shall be replaced at contractor's expense according to guidelines and specifications supplied by the COR.

6.15.1. Perimeter mowing will be completed each time Type A mowing is scheduled. Pollinator fields are noted on

Appendix B. (Acreage estimate drawing in Appendix B does not include show perimeter, but should be included in line item cost )

7. TURF MANAGEMENT (ITEMS xx32-xx37)

7.1. Turf Fertilization. The Contractor shall supply the fertilizer and limestone in granular form and will be approved by the COR prior to use. The Contractor shall apply fertilizer and limestone as directed by the COR. After application of fertilizer, the Contractor must remove any fertilizer from all paved and concrete surface as a result of this operation. The removal of fertilizer will be done at no extra cost to the Government.

7.2. Overseeding. The Contractor will provide the grass seed and will be approved by the COR prior to use. The

Contractor shall plant grass seed using a mechanical grass seeder approved by the COR. The seeder must be capable of cutting grooves in the soil approximately three inches apart, depositing the seed at an even and known rate, and then covering the seed. The seed must be spread in two separate passes of 2-3 pounds per 1,000 sq. ft. each for a total application rate of approximately five pounds per 1,000 sq. ft. The passes must be at right angles to each other.

The COR will determine the direction of the applications. After all overseeding is complete the seed must have been spread evenly over the entire area designated for overseeding. Areas that cannot be reached by a mechanical seeder must be prepared and seeded by hand. If a sand volleyball court or swimming beach is located in the area of overseeding the contractor must avoid planting grass seed in the sand. If grass seed is planted in the sand it is the responsibility of the Contractor to remove it at no extra cost to the Government.

7.3. Aeration. The Contractor must aerate turf in areas designated by COR.