S--PACIFIC DISTRICT (OAK): SHRINE PROJECT - Turf Renovation Project (SERVICES ONLY) Sources Sought Notice - Issued 12/6/18 Closes 12/28/18

1 Sources Sought/Request for Information (RFI) Notice Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration (NCA) RFI #36C78619Q0077 for Turf Renovation and Headstone Maintenance (FY19 Shrine Project) LOS ANGELES NATIONAL CEMETERY 950 South Sepulveda Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90049 THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT/RFI NOTICE FOR SERVICE DISABLED VETERAN OWNED/VETERAN OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES (SDVOSB/VOSB) AND SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS ONLY. **THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION QUOTES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AT THIS TIME.** Please review the Scope of Work below and provide all information requested below to Ms. Tené Becknell @ contact@example.gov if your company can perform these services at the Los Angeles National Cemetery. Any additional questions pertaining to this RFI can also be forwarded to the email address above before the close date of this RFI Notice. DO NOT CONTACT THE LOS ANGELES NATIONAL CEMETERY DIRECTLY. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this requirement is 561730, Commercial Landscaping Services with a size standard in dollars at $7.5 million. Your RFI response must include (in .pdf format only): RFI Number (RFI #36C78619Q0077) and Title Los Angeles Shrine Project Turf Renovation Company Capabilities Statement SDVOSBs/VOSBs - Current Veterans Information Pages (VIP) verified status as an SDVOSB/VOSB entity (CVE letter is also acceptable) Small Businesses identify your prevailing socioeconomic status (Woman-Owned, Minority-Owned, etc.) Duns & Bradstreet (DUNS) number Proof of current System for Award Management (SAM) account status Proof of NAICS code (561730, Landscaping Services) on SAM and VIP profiles To minimize document oversight, please provide ONE email response containing all requested documentation in .pdf format. Response due date: December 28, 2018 (Noon Eastern) Please do not send quotes at this time - Thank you! STATEMENT OF WORK GENERAL REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY OF WORK: DESCRIPTION OF WORK: The Contractor obtaining award shall provide all personnel, management, supplies, transportation, equipment and supervision necessary to perform and complete all work to replace the existing Kikuyugrass turf, Bermudagrass turf, Kikuyugrass-infested turf, and Bermudagrass-infested turf areas at Los Angeles National Cemetery with a fescue/bluegrass blend turfgrass sod. Work includes, but not limited to: professional land surveying to quantify the work areas in square feet; herbicide applications; clearing and grubbing vegetation; removal of all existing grass within the work areas; soil testing; soil preparation; fine grading; irrigation adjustments and testing; irrigation sprinkler protector blocks; new turf installation by sod; turf maintenance period; turf warranty; and headstone cleaning. Incidental work may include realignment of existing headstones that become misaligned during the work at no additional cost to the Government. Successful completion of the turf replacement/renovation shall be measured by, but not limited to: Complete killing and removal of Kikuyugrass and Bermudagrass; and replacement with specified sod turfgrass within the work areas. WORK AREA: All work is to be performed on Los Angeles National Cemetery. Turf renovation will occur in both complete cemetery sections and partial cemetery sections as determined by the COR/Cemetery Director. (See Attachment A Los Angeles National Cemetery Turf Replacement/Renovation Areas.) Full section turf renovation may include but is not limited to Cemetery Sections: MC, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 14A, 15, 16, 20, 21,22, 23,24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 51, 52, 53, 56, 56A, 59, 60, 61, 62, 62A, 65, 65A, 70A. Full to partial section turf renovation may include but is not limited to Cemetery Sections: 68, 69, 73, 74, 74A, 75, 78, 79, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, and 406A. Partial section turf renovation may include any Cemetery Sections so designated by the COR/Cemetery Director. Contractor shall coordinate with the COR/Cemetery Director to identify those areas which require replacement of Kikuyugrass/Bermudagrass with new fescue/bluegrass blend turfgrass. The Contractor under the direction of the COR/Cemetery Director shall mark the physical boundaries of all areas requiring turf replacement on site. The areas shall be measured by a professional land surveyor. Total amount of turf replacement shall not exceed the total square footage of turf replacement/renovation in this scope of work. The footprints of gravesite markers, headstones, and all other non-turf elements shall be subtracted from the surveyed area. The footprint of an upright headstone is approximately 4 inches by 12 inches. The footprint of a flat marker is approximately 12 inches by 24 inches. Field-verify actual dimensions since headstones vary by era. Contractor shall submit to the COR/Cemetery Director for approval a marked up drawing of the cemetery showing all areas designated for turf replacement/renovation along with the square footage amounts for each area in a tabular format. Show on the drawings the total areas of all non-turf elements within each section. Subtract this amount from the total section area. The COR/Cemetery Director will prioritize the cemetery sections within the work area should the total area exceed the contract square-footage amount. Should the surveyed square-footage be less than the contract square footage, the COR/Cemetery Director will designate additional cemetery section(s) until the contract square-footage is met. A CAD topographic survey drawing will be made available upon request to the Contractor by the Government for this purpose of this drawing. The Government makes no claims as to the accuracy of the survey drawing. HEADSTONE VIDEO SURVEY: One of the most important considerations in working around headstones or gravesite markers is maintaining the precision in alignment. Much of the beauty that exists or should exist in a national cemetery is the direct result of perfectly aligned headstones and markers. It only takes one headstone or marker out of alignment to spoil the appearance of an entire row, and thereby, the appearance of the entire section. The appearance of the finished work shall be gravesite section(s) that shall be contoured grass landscape, with headstones aligned with each other in the vertical, horizontal, lateral and diagonal directions within the tolerances specified herein. It is critical that existing conditions are visually surveyed and video documented by the Contractor and reviewed by the COR/Cemetery Director prior to the start of work to identify discrepancies in headstone alignment. Contractor shall provide a spread sheet to the COR/Cemetery Director for review and approval documenting misaligned headstones by name and headstone number. Any misalignment of upright headstones and flat markers caused by the Contractor during the course of the work shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to repair at no additional cost to the Government. Failure to achieve this finished work will be basis for accepting or not accepting the finished work. WORK PERIOD: Physical work within the cemetery including mobilization shall not begin until after Memorial Day (May 27, 2019). The Contractor will complete all work within One-hundred and eighty (180) calendar days after May 27, 2019, subject to all terms, conditions, provisions, and schedules of the contract. Performance shall be in accordance with the requirements, conditions, terms and representations contained in this solicitation. CARE OF HEADSTONES: The Contractor will protect all headstones and markers from damage during the turf replacement/renovation process. The Contractor will ensure that headstones or marker are protected from damage or being discolored from dirt or soil contact. HEADSTONES AND MARKERS WILL NOT BE PHYSICALLY REMOVED FROM THEIR SOCKETS DURING TURF REPLACEMENT/RENOVATION. Note (1): The professional land surveyor shall demarcate 1,000,000 square feet of area to receive turf replacement/renovation including some or all of the cemetery sections defined in the work area, and any other turf areas designated by the COR/Cemetery Director until 1,000,000 square feet of turf replacement/renovation areas have been defined and marked for work. Excluded from the total square-footage calculation for turf replacement/renovation are the footprint of gravesite markers, headstones, section markers, valve boxes, trees, and any other site feature which deducts from the area of turf. Note (2): Irrigation Systems: Irrigation systems are to be protected in place. Any damage to the irrigation system shall be repaired by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government. Work to be accomplished under this contract does not involve new installation of irrigations lines, sprinkler heads or other associated fixtures. However, the work does involve the raising and/or lowering of sprinkler heads, irrigation valve boxes, and the installation of concrete sprinkler protector blocks around sprinkler heads. The Contractor shall submit a request to the COR/Cemetery Director to make temporary adjustments to the irrigation system in the sections subject to the contract so as not to interfere with the Contractor s activities. Temporary adjustments include: temporary removal and capping of sprinkler heads; temporary adjustment of arc patterns of sprinkler heads; and temporary adjustments to irrigation scheduling. All irrigation adjustments shall be restored to their original condition prior to installation of new sod. Estimated Quantities: VA National Cemetery anticipates ordering and the Contractor furnishing the quantities & types of services stated in the Price Schedule. The Government, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to increase or decrease estimated quantities based on current cemetery workload, except as this contract will otherwise provide, if the Government's requirements result in decreased, or increased estimated quantities, that fact will not constitute a basis for an equitable price adjustment. Work Area Summary: TBD CEMETERY LOCATION: The services will be performed at one (1) location: LOS ANGELES NATIONAL CEMETERY 950 South Sepulveda Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90049 SECTION 32 92 24 - TURF RENOVATION PART 1 - GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK This section includes the requirements for Turf Replacement/Renovation including, but not limited to, the following: Erosion and Sediment Control. Vegetation Removal. Topsoil Placement. Soil Testing and Recommendations. Soil Preparation. Sprinkler Protector Blocks. Fine Grading and Soil Compaction. Sodding. Turf Maintenance. Turf Warranty. Disposal of Materials. SUBMITTALS Unless otherwise noted, submittals shall be made a minimum of 14 days before commencing the Work specified in this Section. The following shall be submitted to the COR/Cemetery Director for review and approval. Import Topsoil: Contractor shall submit the following for imported topsoil a minimum of 14 days prior to delivery: Topsoil source(s). Soil textural analysis showing percentages of sand, silt and clay. Topsoil samples. Import Topsoil Testing: Contractor shall submit Agricultural Soil Suitability Test and Report with recommendations for review and approval of COR/Cemetery Director. Compost Analysis: Provide documentation from supplier that compost meets criteria. Engage an independent soil testing laboratory to test representative sample(s) of compost and furnish compost analysis report for approval of Pacific District Agronomist through the COR for review and approval. Equipment List: Contractor shall submit a list of equipment to be utilized for the work 7 days prior to mobilization. The list shall include equipment make, model, year, tire or track dimensions, weight and other information. The use of wheeled equipment is prohibited on cemetery burial sections. Contractor shall use only track-type equipment to prevent overcompaction of soils. Construction Procedures Plan: Contractor shall submit a plan 14 days prior to material construction that includes, but not be limited to: cemetery section area surveying; removing irrigation heads, capping irrigation risers; vegetation removal; placing of imported topsoil; soil amending; fine grading and compaction; re-installing irrigation heads and testing of irrigation system; sod installation; equipment use; and protection to be provided in the event of rain, wind, heat or other potential cause of damage. TURF RENOVATION WITH SOD: General: Existing turf and weeds shall be killed, removed and replaced with new sod. The area shall be expertly graded and re-sodded resulting in a uniform stand of turf, high quality in appearance, with the tops of all flat marker headstones 1-inch above the finished grade of the soil; and the tops of all uprights headstones at a constant elevation relative to finish grade between 26 inches (maximum) and 24 inches (minimum) above finished grade of the soil as directed by the COR/Cemetery Director. Erosion and Sediment Control: Contractor shall Install and maintain erosion control material/methods to meet Federal, State, and local requirements. Copies of these requirements may be reviewed by contacting the COR/Cemetery Director. As necessary, the Contractor shall install measures including, but not limited to, sedimentation fences and protection of storm drain inlets. Contractor is solely responsible to meet all Federal, State and local requirements for air quality, dust and particulate matter control. The Contractor is fully responsible for the control of any dust carried by the wind and will take the appropriate preventative measures. Soil Testing: Soil samples shall be collected from each source of imported topsoil intended for use on the project, and from each cemetery section included in the work area. A minimum of 3 separate soil tests shall be provided for on-site soils: one for each distinct region within the cemetery. Soil samples shall be submitted to an independent, certified soil-testing laboratory in the State of California to determine fertility requirements. Soil testing laboratories affiliated with a vendor or supplier will not be accepted. Contractor shall provide a copy of each soil test results and recommendations to the Pacific District Agronomist through the COR for review and approval. Soil test reports must indicate that the proposed imported topsoil meets the specification for Topsoil as defined herein. Soil extractions shall be performed in accordance with standard guidelines for agricultural soil sampling and under the observation of the COR/Cemetery Director. Provide soil analyses in the form of a graphical report showing: Soil texture, (USDA particle size analysis indicating percentages of sand, silt and clay). Percent organic matter. Soil pH. Macro and micro nutrient fertility tests as determined by pH. Salinity (ECe). Nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, phosphate phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium, soluble copper, zinc, manganese, iron saturation extract, boron and sodium analyses. Cation exchange capacity (CEC). Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR). Report suitability of tested soils for plant growth: Based upon the test results, the laboratory shall provide recommendations for fertilizers and soil amendments to be applied for the maintenance of healthy turf. State recommendations for macro and micro nutrients in pounds per 1,000 square foot or tons per acre, as necessary to correct soil nutrient deficiencies. State recommendations for soil amendments to be added in pounds per 1,000 square foot or tons per acre to adjust soil pH to within the range of 7.2 to 7.5. Soil amendments and fertilizers shall be incorporated in to soil as determined by the results of the soil tests. State recommendations for agricultural gypsum to be added in pounds per 1,000 square foot or tons per acre to supply soluble calcium and to supply sulfur. State recommendations for compost to be added in cubic yards per 1000 square feet to adjust soil organic matter content of the soil to a minimum of 5.0 percent. PART 2 PRODUCTS MATERIALS: Non-Selective Herbicide: Post-emergent, systemic herbicide with no residual activity providing broad spectrum control of annuals, perennials, woody brush, and trees. The herbicide shall be formulated as a water-soluble liquid containing 48.7% glyphosate and surfactant; the glyphosate/adjuvant formulation shall be a Toxicity Class 3 herbicide and have a 30-minute Rainfast Warranty. Available Product: Roundup ProMax ; or professional-grade glyphosate equivalent. Compost: Well-decomposed, commercially manufactured, stable, and weed-free organic matter from agricultural, food, biosolids, or yard debris sources; free of refuse (less than 1 percent by dry weight), plastics, contaminants or any material toxic to plant growth; composted for a minimum of 9 months and reached a monitored temperature of 140 degrees F for at least one week; tested, at minimum, every six months for noxious weeds; and conforming to the following: Organic Matter Content: 60 to 80 percent of dry weight as determined by ash method. Moisture Content: 35 to 55 percent by weight. Inerts: less than 0.5% by dry weight. pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. Soluble salts: less than 2 decisiemens (dS)/m. Particle size: 100 percent passing through 1/2-inch (13-mm) sieve. Nutrient Content: sum of N, P, K percent of wet weight, less than 5%. Trace Metals: Pass per US EPA Class A Standard, 40 CFR 503.32 (a). Maturity Indicator (bio-assay): Greater than 80% seedling emergence maximum dry to positive control. Stability Indicator: Carbon dioxide evolution rate is less than 8 mg CO2-C per g OM per day Stable . Tested, at minimum, every six months for noxious weeds. Organic matter source (feedstock): Agricultural, food, or industrial residuals; biosolids; yard trimmings; or source-separated or compostable mixed solid waste. Organic Matter Content: 30 to 65 percent of dry weight as determined by ash method. Processed to meet U.S. Composting Council's Seal of Testing Assurance Program, or equivalent. Imported Topsoil: If sufficient topsoil is not available on the site to establish uniform grades described herein, the Contractor shall furnish additional topsoil. ASTM D5268; natural or cultivated surface-soil layer having the following characteristics: Sand, silt, and clay particles in percentages conforming to USDA classification for Loam or Sandy Loam; Micro and macro-nutrients in proper quantities essential for plant health; Contain a minimum of 3 percent and a maximum of 6 percent organic material content; Have pH range between 5.5 and 7.5; Be friable, pervious, and black or a darker shade of brown; Be free of subsoil, clay lumps, gravel, rocks and other objects more than 1/2 inch (13mm) in any dimension; Be free of weeds, roots, and other extraneous materials harmful to plant growth. Mycorrhizae: Endomycorrhizal powder inoculum consisting of the following 4 species blend of propagules of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi: Glomus intraradices, Glomus mosseae, Glomus aggregatum, and Glomus etunicatum. Minimum 100,000 spores/propagules per pound. The powder particle size shall be less than 300 microns (100 percent passing the #50 screen). Available Products: MycoApply Micronized Endo by Mycorrhizal Applications, Inc.; Super Fine Endo by Mycorrhizal Products.com; or equal. Soil Amendments: Lime: Lime shall be agricultural limestone containing not less than 90 percent calcium and magnesium carbonates. Lime must be ground to such fineness that not less than 90% must pass No. 8 mesh and not less than 25% must pass No. 100 mesh. Moisture is not to exceed 10%. Agricultural Gypsum: Minimum 90 percent calcium sulfate, finely ground with 90 percent passing through No. 50 (0.30 mm) sieve. Soil Sulfur: Granular, biodegradable, containing a minimum of 90 percent sulfur, with a minimum of 99 percent passing through No. 6 sieve and a maximum of 10 percent passing through No. 40 sieve. Fertilizer: Fertilizer composition and application rate to be based upon soils reports. Provide granular turfgrass fertilizer that is commercial grade, free flowing, uniform in composition, and conforms to applicable state and federal regulations. Fertilizer shall bear the manufacturer's warranted statement of analysis. Fertilizer shall contain a minimum percentage by weight of 20% nitrogen (of which 50 percent shall be from a controlled release source such as sulfur coated urea), 5% available phosphoric acid, and 15% potash. Starter Fertilizer: Commercial, general-purpose granular turf starter fertilizer with a typical N:P:K analyses of: 16-24-10 or 24-25-4. Fertilizer shall bear the manufacturer's warranted statement of analysis. Application rate to be based upon providing 1 pound of actual Phosphorus, but no more than 1 pound of actual Nitrogen per 1000 square-feet of turf area. Mulch: Mulch material shall be compost as described above. Sod: Sod shall be produced from Blue Tag certified seed and State of California certified. The composition of the grass species in the sod shall be 90 percent Dwarf Turf Type Tall Fescue/ 10 percent Bluegrass blend. Each grass species shall be a blend of 3 regionally adapted cultivars. The sod shall be free from weeds, pests and diseases. Submit sod grower s product data sheets to COR/Cemetery Director for approval prior to ordering sod. Available Product: Elite Plus by A-G Sod Farms; Tel: +1 (555) 000-0000; or approved equal. Precast Concrete Sprinkler Protector: Precast concrete with smooth form finish in natural grey concrete with beveled edges to hold unit in place once set into the surrounding grade; oblong oval hole in center of the block to accommodate the sprinkler head. Dimensions: 14-inches by 14-inches by 4-inches deep. Available Manufacturer/Product: Christy model M30SBA Type A. PART 3 EXECUTION EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL: Contractor shall Install and maintain erosion control material/methods to meet Federal, State, and local requirements. Copies of these requirements may be reviewed by contacting the COR/Cemetery Director. As necessary, the Contractor shall install measures including, but not limited to, sedimentation fences and protection of storm drain inlets. Contractor is solely responsible to meet all Federal, State and local requirements for air quality, dust and particulate matter control. The Contractor is fully responsible for the control of any dust carried by the wind and will take the appropriate preventative measures. IRRIGATION SYSTEMS: Testing and Demonstration: Cemetery personnel will test and demonstrate to the Contractor all irrigation systems and hardware prior to the start of work in any area. This inspection shall be documented in the weekly work report. Note any system deficiencies in the report. Preparation: Prior to commencing any work, flag location of heads to prevent damage to irrigation piping during turf renovation activities. Maintain flags until after installation of sod. Removal: After vegetation removal has been completed, the Contractor will remove the irrigation heads, cap swing joint risers, clean and prepare the irrigation heads for re-installation, and turn the heads over to the cemetery for storage. Reinstallation and Adjustments: After topsoil has been placed and compacted, uncap the existing sprinkler risers, flush irrigation lines and re-install the irrigation heads in preparation for weed control measures. Set irrigation heads to proper height relative to finish grade for the sod installed as directed by the COR/Cemetery Director. Test irrigation system for leaks and proper functioning and make any necessary repairs. Make any nozzle changes as directed by the COR/Cemetery Director to achieve 100 percent head-to-head coverage. Make adjustments to arc and radius of the spray pattern as directed by the COR/Cemetery Director. Prior to the installation of sod, Contractor shall ensure that all irrigation heads, valve boxes, and related components are 1-1/4 inch minimum to 1-1/2 inch maximum above finished grade, aligned correctly and in proper working order. Testing and Repair Any damage to the irrigation system caused by the Contractor shall be repaired by the Contractor prior to sod installation at no additional cost to the Government. Prior to installing sod, demonstrate to the COR/Cemetery Director that the irrigation zone to receive sod is fully functional from the irrigation controller. Sod installation shall be sequenced to conform to existing irrigation zones, such that sod is laid in areas that can be completely irrigated by the existing irrigation system without causing disruption to work in other areas. VEGETATION REMOVAL: General: Remove turfgrass sod, weeds and their roots from within limits of work area. Cut a clean line between sod to be removed and sod in adjacent cemetery sections to be retained. Protection of Headstones: Ensure that the work involved for vegetation removal does not cause the headstones to be shifted out of alignment or moved from their sockets. Any misalignment of headstones shall be corrected by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government. Herbicide Application: Apply herbicide in a minimum of TWO APPLICATIONS in the sequence indicated below. First application: Do not turn off the irrigation system until just before the application of the herbicide. This will allow the turf to absorb the maximum amount of herbicide. After the preparatory mowings, while the turf is still actively growing, the entire vegetated area shall be sprayed with non-selective herbicide, taking care to avoid drift of herbicide onto adjacent turf to be protected. Application rate shall be at the maximum label recommended rate for the complete kill of the existing Kikuyugrass/Bermudagrass, turfgrass and weeds. Follow product label instructions for elapsed time before moving to the next procedure to allow the herbicide to fully affect the plant material. Power rake or verticut the entire area to loosen residual plant debris. Remove plant debris and dispose of legally off site. The area shall then be irrigated for a minimum of 14 days to encourage growth of any remaining plant material and germination of weed seed lying dormant in the topsoil. Second Application: When there is sufficient re-growth of vegetation as determined by the COR/Cemetery Director, the area will be retreated with non-selective herbicide, again following the product label directions for time to elapse for the herbicide to fully affect the plants, before the start of soil preparation activities. Once again, Power rake or verticut the entire area to loosen residual plant debris. Remove plant debris and dispose of legally off site. The Contractor shall repeat this operation until the existing Kikuyugrass/Bermudagrass, turf and weeds have been eliminated, as determined by the COR/Cemetery Director. IMPORTED TOPSOIL: Place imported topsoil to depths required to eliminate depressions in the section; to establish positive drainage; and to establish uniform finish grades as indicated: Finish grades shall be 1-inch below flat markers; 1-1/2 to 1-1/4 inches below tops of curbs; and a constant grade relative to the tops of upright headstones between 26 inches (maximum) and 24-inches (minimum) below tops of upright headstones as directed by the COR/Cemetery Director. Add preplant fertilizers, mycorrhizae, compost, gypsum, and any other soil amendments recommended by the soils report to correct any deficiencies in the imported topsoil. SOIL PREPARATION: The work area will be amended with soil amendments and fertilizer per the results of the soil tests. Soil amendments shall be uniformly broadcast at the prescribed rates in the soils reports, and tilled to a depth of 6 inches to thoroughly incorporate the amendments into the soil. Areas under the drip lines of existing trees shall not be tilled at a depth greater than 3 inches or backfilled not to exceed 2 inches from existing grades, or as approved by the COR/Cemetery Director. Any damage to tree roots must be avoided. If the work is obstructed by tree roots within the drip-line of a standing tree that are 2 inches in diameter or greater, the Contractor shall request an inspection by the COR/Cemetery Director. The COR/Cemetery Director will inspect and determine if any roots will be pruned. Contractor shall protect all trees, shrubs and plants. Plant material damaged, weakened or killed during the renovation shall be replaced with its equivalent using the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Tree Valuation Guide. Exceptions shall be approved by the COR/Cemetery Director. The soil shall be raked to remove any remaining sod, roots, plant debris, stones, or other debris greater than 1/2-inch (13 mm) in any dimension. FINE GRADING AND COMPACTION: General: The area will expertly graded and compacted to provide a smooth and flowing transition through uneven terrain and to avoid any appearance of layering of soil. Contractor shall use a laser level or similar device to maintain grade lines. Compaction: Restore the soil to an even condition before laying sod by rolling with a turfgrass roller well-suited to the soil being compacted. Do not operate mechanized vibratory compaction equipment, which may damage existing graveliners or caskets. The Contractor shall not operate trucks, tractors, and other heavy equipment in excess of five tons on any turf area except when authorized in writing by the COR/Cemetery Director. Finish grades must be thoroughly compacted to 85 to 90 percent dry density per ASTM D-698, to prevent further subsidence, but the soil must not be compacted to the degree that it prohibits the growth of healthy turf. The compacted soil must not show evidence of depressions when walked upon. Contractor shall establish lines and grades for approval by COR/Cemetery Director or designee. Grades shall conform to elevations to provide a smooth transition at curbs, trees, planters and uninterrupted drainage flow into existing drains, and to prevent any scalping of the new turfgrass when mowed. Contractor shall request COR/Cemetery Director s approval of lines and grades. Contractor will be responsible for any additional cut and/or fill required to ensure that the site is graded to conform to elevations as determined by the COR/Cemetery Director. Protect approved areas from damage by vehicular or pedestrian traffic. SOD BED PREPARATION: The finished bed must be fine in texture and firmly compacted and free of any plant or other debris greater than 1/2-inch (13mm). All irregularities in the finished surface shall be corrected to eliminate depressions and high spots. Finish grade of soil shall be 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 inch below adjacent pavement and flush with finish grades of adjacent burial sections. Valve boxes, sprinkler heads and related irrigation components are to be adjusted to 1-1/4 minimum to 1-1/2-inch maximum above finish grade or as directed by the COR/Cemetery Director. Complete turf renovation only after areas are brought to the final grade and have been reviewed and approved by the COR/Cemetery Director. All finished sod bed areas shall be protected from damage from vehicular or pedestrian traffic. STARTER FERTILIZER: Two applications of turf starter fertilizers are required, one prior to sod placement and another after the first mowing. The fertilizer application shall be high in phosphorous and provide no greater than 1 pound of Nitrogen and at least 1 pound of Phosphorous per 1,000 square feet. Use properly calibrated fertilizer spreader equipment to broadcast fertilizers at prescribed application rates. SOD INSTALLATION: Prior to delivery of sod, the COR/Cemetery Director shall inspect the work area. Any discrepancies in the ground preparation shall be corrected prior to the laying of sod in the work area. Prior to installation of the sod, the COR/Cemetery Director shall have the right to inspect and to assess the acceptabil...