Pest Control Services, Houston National Cemetery

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT GENERAL INFORMATION This is a performance-based contract for cemetery Pest Control services at Houston National Cemetery, Houston, TX and hereafter referred to as “Houston” or “Cemetery.” The overall responsibility of the Contractor is to plan, coordinate, organize, manage, and perform the activities of “Pest Control/Mitigation Services” described herein, which are required to provide year-round mitigation services of the Cemetery’s property. Pest control services shall conform to the material and performance requirements specified herein. The Contractor’s Pest Control Program shall use safe, effective, environmentally sound methods including biological/genetic/cultural control, mechanical/physical control, and where necessary, the judicious use of least hazardous pesticides. Cemetery Structures: Administration Building, Maintenance Building’s (five total), Public Information Building, Church and Public Restrooms. This Performance Work Statement describes the basic objectives of the Houston National Cemetery Pest Control/Mitigation Program. The Performance Based Service Contract provides potential Offerors the flexibility to develop cost effective solutions and the opportunity to propose innovative alternatives to meet the stated objectives. It also presents the Government with an opportunity to assess the Offeror’s understanding of all aspects of the effort to be performed by eliminating the "how to" instructions to accomplish the required effort normally contained in the Statement of Work that the Government traditionally provides to prospective Offerors. Minimum acceptable levels of performance to meet the minimum requirements are outlined in the “Services Summary” contained in Attachment 1. THE NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMINISTRATION MISSION The National Cemetery Administration honors veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorial that commemorate their service to our Nation. National Cemeteries are National Shrines. Therefore, the standards for management, maintenance, appearance and operational procedures performed by the Contractor have been established by the National Cemetery Administration to reflect this Nations’ concern and respect for those interred there. For this reason, the Contractor’s strict adherence to the Performance Work Statement, Performance Work Requirements Summary, and Guidance Specifications shall be required and shall be essential. THE NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMININSTRATION BACKGROUND In 1999 Congress passed legislation requiring VA to ensure that National Cemeteries serve as a dignified and respectful setting. Each Cemetery is to be an expression of appreciation and respect of a grateful Nation for the service and sacrifice of her veterans. Further, each National Cemetery is to be maintained as a National Shrine. A National Shrine is defined as a place of honor and memory that declares to the visitor/family who views it as a majestic setting, offering a sense of serenity, historic sacrifice, and nobility of purpose. The National Cemetery is a beautiful and awe-inspiring tribute to those who gave much to preserve our Nation’s freedom and way of life. CONTRACT OBJECTIVES The objective of this Performance Work Statement (PWS) is to ensure the professional mitigation of pests at Houston National Cemetery in order to maintain the high standards of appearance as a National Shrine, in accordance with best commercial practices and the requirements identified in this solicitation. To preserve a dignified and professional environment for visitors, employees, and ceremonial events, the cemetery requires control of pests year-round in a safe way. These services contribute to maintaining a clean, safe, and respectful atmosphere that reflects the standards of the National Cemetery Administration. The minimum length of the contract is planned for one (1) base period with up to four (4) one (1) year options individually exercised at the VA’s discretion and dependent on the availability of funds. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES The Contractor shall furnish all personnel, supervision, professional expertise, equipment, tools, services, quality control, and materials necessary to ensure that Pest Control/Mitigation services are performed at the Cemetery in a manner that: Shall not interfere with or disrupt any cemetery or funeral service operations in any capacity. All work performed by the Contractor shall be performed in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and commercial practices. Texas licenses and fees for any related pest control are to be acquired, maintained, and up to date. A copy of the contractor’s license shall be kept on file by the COR for every staff person who will be performing services on site under this contract. At a minimum, the Contractor shall submit Certificates of two (2) individuals, one acting as a regular service representative and the other acting as an alternate. The Contractor shall have a licensed pest control manager assigned to support this contract. Any person applying pesticides must possess a current Department of Agriculture Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certificate/License. The Contractor will be responsible to ensure that the licenses/certificates and training of Contractor personnel are kept current. for every staff person who will be performing services on site under this contract. At a minimum, the Contractor shall submit Certificates of two (2) individuals, one acting as a regular service representative and the other acting as an alternate. PEST CONTROL PLAN The Contractor shall submit to the COR for approval, a Pest Control Plan within 30 days of contract award. The Pest Control Plan shall consist of the following: Initial assessment and report Methods for inspection, monitoring and detection The Contractor shall describe methods and procedures to be used for identifying sites of pest harborage and access, and for m…