Mortuary Affairs BPA

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This document establishes the Department of Defense (DoD) standards for the operation of DoD facilities and contracted funeral homes providing mortuary services. It aims to ensure consistent and dignified handling of deceased personnel across all Military Service components.

• Preparation of Remains: Outlines detailed procedures for preparing both viewable and nonviewable remains, including embalming, washing, dressing, and specialized treatments for trauma, decomposition, or autopsied cases.

• Embalming Standards: Specifies requirements for licensed embalmers, including tasks, chemical concentrations, and techniques for preservation and restoration.

• Classification of Remains: Defines categories for remains (viewable, viewable for identification, nonviewable) based on their condition and suitability for viewing.

• Casketing and Transportation: Details standards for caskets, placement of remains, and transportation procedures, including requirements for permits, certificates, and vehicles.

• Cremation: Outlines procedures for cremation of subsequent remains or organs, including facility pre-inspection, payment, and verification processes.

• Facility Standards: Specifies minimum requirements for preparation and embalming rooms, including plumbing, lighting, ventilation, and physical security.

• Health and Safety: Mandates universal precautions, protective equipment, and adherence to OSHA standards for personnel safety.

• Records Management: Requires maintenance of mortuary records, including case files, and procedures for their storage, release, and archiving.

• Quality Control: Contractors must have an effective Quality Control Plan (QCP) to ensure services meet approved standards. This includes processes, controls, and metrics for verifying performance.

• Quality Assurance: The Government will evaluate contractor performance based on surveillance and adherence to performance standards.

• Timeliness: Services must be initiated promptly, generally within 24 hours of notification or release of remains.

• The document applies to all Military Service components and contracted funeral homes providing mortuary services.

• Area of performance is determined by geographic boundaries and resourced services required by the Military Services.

• Personnel: Requires licensed embalmers and trained unlicensed assistants. Specific training is mandated for assistants.

• Compliance: Adherence to all applicable federal, state, local, international, host nation, and DoD licensing requirements and regulatory standards is mandatory.

• Documentation: Extensive documentation is required, including case files, permits, certificates, and reports.

• Security: Facilities must be secure, with controlled access to areas where remains are received, stored, or processed.