36C25026Q0414_1.pdf

PAGE 1 OF 1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE 4. ORDER NO. 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NO. (No Collect Calls) 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL

TIME

9. ISSUED BY CODE 10. THIS ACQUISITION IS UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE: % FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ IFB RFP

15. DELIVER TO CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR CODE FACILITY CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

TELEPHONE NO. UEI: EFT:

PHONE: FAX:

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.

ITEM NO. SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN _______________ 29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY (BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION (REV. NOV 2021)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

610-27-1-6091-0001

36C25026Q0414

Samuel Galbreath 301-456-3435 06-03-2026

1630 EST

36C250

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office (NCO) 10 2780 Airport Drive STE 340 Columbus OH 43219

X 100

X

561730

$9.5 Million

N/A

X

36C610A4

Department of Veteran's Affairs Fort Wayne VA Medical Center 2121 Lake Avenue Fort Wayne, IN 46805

36C250

Department of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office (NCO) 10 260 E. University Avenue Cincinnati OH 45219

FMS-VA-2(101)

Financial Services Center PO Box 149971 Austin TX 78714-9971

See CONTINUATION Page

The Fort Wayne VAMC has a service requirement for grounds maintenance to include snow and ice removal, and lawn care services.

All required work is located at the Fort Wayne Northern Indiana Health Care System Campus located at 2121 Lake Avenue Fort Wayne, IN 46805.

Snow and ice removal shall take place annually approximately from November 1st through March 31st on an as needed basis.

Lawn care shall take place from April 1st through October 31st. See SOW below for full details.

This procurement is a base contract plus four possible options years.

An organized site visit is scheduled for May 1st at 9:00AM See offeror information page for more details.

Email quotes to samuel.galbreath@va.gov No physical quotes will be accepted

See CONTINUATION Page

610-3670162-6091-853300-2549 010050100

X X

Shelton Beasley

Table of Contents

SECTION A

A.1 SF 1449 SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

STATEMENT OF WORK

OFFEROR INFORMATION PAGE

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

B.3 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2023) (DEVIATION)

C.2 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000) ...28

C.3 52.222-42 STATEMENT OF EQUIVALENT RATES FOR FEDERAL HIRES (MAY

2014)

C.4 52.240-91 SECURITY PROHIBITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS (NOV 2025)

(DEVIATION)

C.5 52.240-93 BASIC SAFEGAURDING OF COVERED CONTRACTOR

INFORMATION SYSTEMS (DEVIATION) (NOV 2025)

C.7 VAAR 852.242-71 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICER (OCT 2020)

C.8 52.252-6 AUTHORIZED DEVIATIONS IN CLAUSES (NOV 2020)

C.9 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENT I - SCA 20154781

ATTACHMENT II - RFI

ATTACHMENT III - LIMITATION OF SUBCONTRACTING CERTIFICATION VAAR

852.219-75

ATTACHMENT IV - FORT WAYNE SITE MAP VETERANS ADMINISTRATION

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (SEP 2023)(DEVIATION)

E.2 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (DEVIATION) (NOV 2025)

E.3 52.219-1 SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM REPRESENTATIONS (FEB 2024)

E.4 52.225-2 BUY AMERICAN CERTIFICATE (OCT 2022)

E.5 52.240-90 SECURITY PROHIBITIONS AND EXCLUSIONS REPRESENTATIONS

AND CERTIFICATIONS (NOV 2025) (DEVIATION)

E.6 52.252-5 AUTHORIZED DEVIATIONS IN PROVISIONS (NOV 2020)

E.7 VAAR 852.252-70 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS OR CLAUSES INCORPORATED

BY REFERENCE (JAN 2008)

E.8 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB

1998)

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

1. Contract Administration: All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

a. CONTRACTOR:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C610

Network Contracting Office (NCO) 10

2780 Airport Drive STE 340

Columbus OH 43219

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with:

[X] 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System For Award Management, or

[] 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

a. Quarterly []

b. Semi-Annually []

c. Other [X] Work has been completed, and accepted by the COR.

4. GOVERNMENT INVOICE ADDRESS: All Invoices from the contractor shall be submitted electronically in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS: The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the Solicitation numbered and dated as follows:

AMENDMENT NO DATE

STATEMENT OF WORK

Part I: General Information

A. Introduction

VA Northern Indiana Health Care System (VANIHCS) has a requirement for grounds maintenance to include snow and ice removal, and lawn care services at 2121 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46805. Award may be an all-inclusive contract to one contractor or an award for snow and ice removal services and an award for lawn care to different contractors.

B. Background

VANIHCS provides health care services to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces for both inpatients and out-patients. Grounds maintenance services are not completed by VA employees due to a lack of equipment and personnel. These services have been contracted in the past.

C. Scope

1. The contractor shall provide all supervision, labor, tools, equipment, vehicles, transportation and chemicals necessary to provide full service snow and ice removal and lawn care services. Lawn care services shall maintain healthy grass, trees, shrubs and plants and present a clean, neat and professional appearance. Snow and ice removal services shall be performed in a manner that provides a safe and satisfactory environment. Safety devices shall be utilized at all times on all equipment.

2. The snow and ice removal encompasses snow and ice removal from all designated sites, deicing of all designated areas, removal of snow and ice from all parking lots, drives, walkways, sidewalks, crosswalks and all ramps. Snow and ice removal shall take place approximately from November 1 through March 31 on an as needed basis.

These are estimated times and contractor shall be available before November 1 and after March 31 if snow and ice fall occurs before or after those time frames.

3. Lawn and landscaping care includes mowing, edging, trimming, mulching, weeding, over seeding, fertilizing, herbicide and pesticide control, and removal of debris. Lawn care shall take place from April 1 through end of October 31. These are estimated times and contractor shall be available before April 1 and after October 31 if the growing season occurs before or after those time frames.

4. Joint Commission Requirements

a. Contractor shall attend a post-award orientation meeting prior to any work on site. VA shall schedule the meeting and it shall include discussion of the following topics: (VA shall provide information to the Contractor regarding these topics and shall document the meeting.)

i. Fire and Safety

ii. Infection control

iii. Disaster procedures

iv. Security

b. Contractor shall be responsible to ensure that Contractor employees coming to the work site receive the information required above.

c. Contractor shall be responsible to ensure Contractor employees providing work within the scope of the contract are fully trained and competent on the procedures and equipment used to perform the required work with appropriate licenses listed in Part III supporting information.

5. Contractor’s personnel shall interrupt their work at any time to avoid interference with patient care procedures and the normal functioning of the facility, to include utility services, fire protection systems and passage of facility patients.

D. Applicable Documents

Contractor shall ensure that the equipment functions in conformance with the latest published edition of the regulations for the work identified. Contractors shall ensure that the application of chemicals is in conformance with the latest published edition of the regulations for the work identified.

• EPA (FIFRA (Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act): The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act was enacted in June 25, 1947.

• Applicators of lawn chemicals classified as restricted use shall provide a copy of their current commercial pesticide/fertilizer applicator certification prior to applying any lawn chemicals on VA Property. http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/incode/15/16/5

• EPA (40 CFR 170 Pesticide Worker Protection Standard): All commercial applicators shall wear appropriate PPE to prevent chemical exposures.

• OSHA (29 CFR 1910.1200): Contractor shall inform employees of hazards of working with any chemicals they shall be working with.

• OSHA (29 CFR 1910 Subpart I Personal Protective Equipment): Contractor shall ensure staff wear appropriate PPE to protect their employees from injury.

Part II: Work Requirements

A. Technical Requirements

1. Snow and ice removal – The parking and drive areas are approximately 9.79 acres of combined asphalt, concrete and gravel surfaces. In addition to the parking lot surface there are approximately 9,240 linear feet of perimeter and internal concrete sidewalks to be cleaned.

a. The Contractor shall remove snow and ice from all parking lots, drives, walkways, sidewalks, crosswalks, ramps and loading dock area per the attached map on a 24 hour basis. Removal shall be from edge to edge. All snow in the loading dock area shall be pulled out and placed on VANIHCS lawn areas. All snow shall be removed from parking spaces upon completion of each removal event. Scraper blade shall have contact with the ground. Contractor shall not leave spillover. Contractor shall not push snow off of VANIHCS premises into streets or onto neighboring property. Each snow removal event shall be completed in five hours or less. In instances of sustained snowfall contractor shall continue snow/ice removal until surfaces are clear. Priority areas for snow and ice removal are as follows:

i. Walks

ii. Main entrance, circle drive and emergency circle drive (I)

iii. Other drives, entrances

iv. Patient parking lots A, C and E

v. Employee parking lots B, E and G

vi. Employee/Volunteer parking lots, lots D, F and J

vii. Loading dock area (pit) and lot H

viii. East parking lot K

b. Contractor responsibilities:

i. Contractor shall evaluate areas of responsibility that have refrozen overnight or been affected by drifting snow.

ii. Contractor shall treat and/or remove areas of snow, ice and possible blowing snow accumulations by 6:00 a.m. local time of the next day.

iii. Services shall be performed in a manner that shall maintain a satisfactory and safe environment for patients, families, staff, and visitors during periods of snow and ice and when conditions occur that cause refreezing of melt off from previous precipitation and when conditions exist that create blowing and drifting snow from previous precipitation.

iv. Contractor shall perform services in the most efficient manner.

v. Contractor shall be responsible for any damages to government property and privately owned vehicles that occur from snow and ice removal services.

c. Contractor shall remove snow and ice by plowing, blowing, shoveling, or other suitable means not harmful to the traffic surface in order to produce and maintain safe passage of pedestrians and vehicles. The Contractor shall provide services to treat and plow snow, and deice all areas when there is a minimum snow accumulation of one-half inch. Precipitation that causes ice to form on surfaces shall be treated and removed immediately regardless of accumulation levels.

d. The contractor shall maneuver around any parked cars that cannot be relocated to clear the area. Contractor shall be liable for any damages to vehicles or property in performance of the contract.

e. The contractor shall provide snow and ice removal services within 90 minutes of notification by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or the

Administrative Officer on Duty (AOD) to treat traffic surfaces and sidewalks.

f. Contractor shall review internet and/or other means to track weather and be on site ready for larger snow falls of four (4) inches or more. The contractor can arrive at the facility before the COR or AOD calls to prepare before oncoming snow storm arrival. The contractor’s actions shall be continuous until treatment is no longer necessary. The COR or the AOD shall inspect all areas before the snow and ice removal crew leaves the facility. All high priority areas (facility entrances, sidewalks, steps, emergency room drive, driveways and walkways, patient loading and unloading zones) shall be kept clear of ice and snow at all times.

g. When overnight snowfall is eight (8) inches or less, the Contractor shall have all areas cleared no later than 6:00 a.m. local time.

h. When daytime or overnight snowfall is greater than eight (8) inches, blizzard or extreme icing conditions exist, the contractor shall clear all areas to the best capabilities of his or her labor and equipment and focus on the high priority areas marked on attached map.

i. In the event of excessive accumulation where snow can no longer be pushed off parking spaces, the Contractor shall load, haul, and deposit snow in areas on the VA campus, when and where designated, and as approved by the COR, to ensure parking spaces are not blocked.

j. Snow and ice shall be removed from all hydrants and access to hydrants kept clear at all times.

k. Plowing and treatment of traffic surfaces both pedestrian and vehicular shall be performed by priority in accordance with priority listing above.

l. All sidewalks and parkways shall be plowed, treated, and maintained to a safe and usable condition at all times.

m. Treatment shall be with rock salt for roads, parking lots, loading area and drives;

salt and sand mixture for gravel surfaces; calcium and or magnesium chloride beads or pellets (no flakes or rock salt) for walks, steps, landings, porches, ramps and handicapped parking areas. Ice melt pellets shall be able to melt at - 25 degrees Fahrenheit generating heat on contact and product shall leave little or no residue.

n. The contractor shall re-install immediately any traffic or pedestrian safety signs, damaged or dislodged by the snow and ice removal plows or equipment.

o. The contractor shall install and maintain pedestrian safe snow stakes to mark all hydrants and fire lanes, curbing, edges of parking lots, walkways and drives prior to snow and ice removal season. Snow stakes removal after snow season shall be coordinated with the COR. Snow stakes shall be installed at minimum intervals of 15 feet for drives and parking lots and 10 feet intervals for walkways.

Snow stakes shall be approved by the COR before the first snow fall. Snow stakes shall be made of sturdy fiberglass to withstand the elements, but flexible enough to bend and then return to original position. Snow stakes shall be a minimum 5/16 inches wide and 48 inches in length, one end metal-capped and the other end pointed, orange fluorescent in color with hi-visibility 360°reflectors highly visible day or night.

p. The contractor and the COR shall inspect the parking lots, sidewalks and other designated areas for damage before the snow/ice season starts and again at the end of snow and ice removal season. The areas shall be checked and documented on a written report of the findings signed by both the contractor and COR and provided to the Contracting Officer. Listing shall include information on:

i. Parking slot concrete bumpers

ii. Curbing

iii. Facility signage

iv. Parking lot storm drains

v. ADA wheelchair sidewalk ramps

q. Contractor shall clearly mark boundaries of the gravel parking lots so the edges of the lots shall be identified when covered with snow. Contractor shall use snow stakes specified above.

r. The contractor shall remove any gravel from the lawn displaced by snow plowing services.

s. The contractor shall re-grade and fill in potholes on the gravel parking lots when necessary through-out the snow and ice removal season and at the end of season in the spring.

t. Contractor shall be responsible for any damages incurred during the performance of this contract as defined in “Protection of Government Property” located in Part III, Paragraph G.

u. Removal of Ice.

i. Contractor shall immediately remove ice to provide secure footing or safe driving conditions. In the event packed ice occurs with ambient temperatures falling below deicing chemicals temperature range of usability, deicing agents shall be applied to provide traction for pedestrians and vehicle traffic at all times 24 hours per day and 7 days per week.

ii. Contractor shall ensure that adequate source of deicing agents are readily available throughout the duration of the contract. The price shall not be increased due to the Contractor’s failure to obtain deicing agents necessary to perform services.

2. Lawn Care:

a. The contractor shall provide all labor, materials, manpower and equipment for lawn care services on approximately

12.5 acres of grounds. Lawn mowing shall not occur prior to 7:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m. Local Time

b. The contractor shall repair and/or replace any damage to landscaping areas and lawns incurred during the snow and ice removal season.

c. The frequency of the service for mowing, trimming (weed eating), blowing and sweeping solid surfaces shall be once per week. Grass height shall be maintained between 2.5 and 4 inches. Under high growth conditions the contractor may be required to mow more than once weekly. Under drought conditions and when no growth has occurred weekly service may not be required. Under said conditions the COR shall determine the need for weekly service. The frequency for other services shall be as listed below.

d. Lawn care shall include at a minimum:

i. Removal and disposal of all lawn debris and trash before and after weekly service. May be disposed in VANIHCS containers. Large debris items such as tree limbs shall be cut into 18”-24” lengths and placed in location directed by COR. Debris shall include natural debris (tree limbs, dry brush, rodent habitats, dead animals, etc.) and man-made debris.

ii. Trimming (weed eating) weekly around trees, shrubs, buildings, fences, posts, fire hydrants, parking lot bumpers and other fixed obstacles;

concurrent with mowing unless otherwise required by COR.

iii. Mowing; weekly unless otherwise required by COR.

iv. Blowing/sweeping solid surfaces; weekly unless otherwise required by

COR.

v. Annual spring mulching of all landscaping beds. – updated 4/26/2024

vi. Monthly cleaning and weeding of beds. vii. Semi-annual trimming of trees and shrubs. viii. Monthly edging of all solid surfaces to include chemical treatment of vegetation from cracks in walks, along walls, curbs, ramps and all other paved areas.

ix. Fall preparation of existing sod/soil/lawn for over seeding shall be completed on all lawns (not wooded areas) during the period from September 15 to October 15; water using VA utilities where available and until stabilized as needed for seeding. Where water is not available contractor shall provide adequate means to water as needed.

1) Core aerate all lawn surfaces in preparation of over seeding.

2) Utilize basic landscaping blend type grass seed suitable for Indiana region.

3) Provide and apply suitable starter fertilizer as needed.

4) In spring, proof roll all lawn surfaces to correct unevenness of the lawn.

x. Fertilizing/herbicide/pesticide (four step treatment program) for lawns (not wooded areas) and all other vegetation. Annual Four Step program includes;

1) Early Spring: fertilize and pre-emergent treatment for broadleaf and crab grass control for lawns and landscaping beds.

2) Late Spring/Early Summer: fertilize and post emergent treatment (weed and feed) for lawns and landscaping beds.

3. Midsummer: fertilize and treat for insects and fungus for lawns and landscaping beds.

4. Late Fall: Fertilize and treat for weeds (commonly referred as winterize treatment) for lawn and landscaping areas. Care shall be taken on this step to wait until over seeding has already germinated.

xi. Contractor shall be a state certified applicator for herbicides and pesticides for base year plus 4 possible option years of contract. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) shall be provided prior to notice to proceed.

Contractor shall plan work to be performed in a safe and effective manner before work starts.

e. Additional leaf, seed, and other debris removal shall be completed as required during the fall and spring. Fallen leaves shall be mulched during the fall season.

Excessive leaf mulch shall be placed in VANIHCS dumpers. Wooded area shall be cleaned at the end of the mowing season and prior to the first snow fall.

Removal shall be conducted approximately twice per week during peak season.

Contractor shall provide services on an as needed basis to facilitate neat and clean grounds at all times during the fall and spring seasons.

f. Contractor shall provide tree and shrub trimming to include removal of storm damaged and dead tree branches. This includes all small trees within 20 feet of buildings. They shall be trimmed and pruned as required to maintain their natural growth characteristics and to enhance the beauty and health of the plant while now allowing contact with buildings. Hedges shall be maintained to their natural mature height and shape.

3. Safety Requirements

Contractor shall take such safety precautions reasonably necessary to protect the lives and health of occupants of the facility. Contractor shall immediately correct conditions the Contracting Officer or designee may deem as safety concerns. If the contractor fails or refuses to comply promptly, the Contracting Officer may issue an order stopping all or any part of the work and hold the contractor in default.

4. Quality Assurance

VANIHCS will surveil contractor’s performance to ensure that all service requirement objectives are met. A Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan is included in Section D.

5. Deliverables

a. Contractors shall submit licenses and certification of training.

b. Contractor shall also provide a written service ticket for all services rendered at completion of service. The service ticket shall include time(s) in/out, task(s) completed and contractor employee name(s) completing the task.

c. Contractor shall provide Point of Contact List with current names and telephone numbers of employees performing snow and grounds maintenance services for VANIHCS. The number(s) shall be manned during normal business hours and 24 hours/7 days per week during snow removal season.

Part III: Additional Contract Requirements

A. General

1. The Contractor’s employees shall wear visible identification and company uniforms approved by the COR at all times while on the premises of the VAMC.

2. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to park in the appropriate designated parking areas. Information on parking is available from the VA Police Section or from the COR.

3. Contractor shall not possess weapons on VA Property.

4. Enclosed containers, including tool kits, shall be subject to search. Violations of VA regulations a result in citation answerable in the United States (Federal) District Court, not a local district, state, or municipal court.

5. Point of Contact List –Contractor shall provide and maintain current Indiana State License for Pesticide Application. Provide:

a. Certified Applicator

b. Certificate of financial responsibility

7. Storage space is NOT provided at VANIHCS for lawn care and snow removal equipment and supplies.

8. VANIHCS is not responsible for maintenance or repair of contractor’s equipment due to wear and tear, due to any damage incurred in the performance of the contract, or for any loss or damage to material or equipment while at VANIHCS.

9. Upon arrival at VA Medical Center, all Contractor personnel shall check – in with the COR during normal business hours or the AOD after hours and weekends. Contractor shall also provide a written service ticket for all services rendered at completion of service.

i During normal business hours, the COR, Engineering or AOD shall contact the Contractor when unscheduled services are needed.

ii During non-business hours the AOD shall contact the Contractor when non-scheduled services are needed.

B. Place of Performance

VANIHCS, 2121 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46805

C. Period of Performance

Period of performance is November 1, 2026 through October 31, 2027 with four (4) one-year option periods to be exercised at the discretion of the Government.

D. Qualifications of Key Personnel

Contractor shall be licensed/certified by the State of Indiana to apply lawn chemical treatments.

E. Hours of Operation

1. Contractor shall provide snow and ice removal, snow hauling off campus and deicing services twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week including holidays.

2. Lawn care services shall be completed during or after normal business hours, or during weekends from approximately April 1 through October 31.

3. VA normal business hours are 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding the National Holidays listed below and any other day declared a National Holiday by the President of the United States:

New Years’ Day Martin Luther King

Presidents’ Day Labor Day

Memorial Day Independence Day

Columbus Day Thanksgiving Day

Christmas Day Veterans’ Day

Juneteenth Any Other Day Designated by the POTUS

F. Check-in

Upon arrival at VA Medical Center, all Contractor personnel shall check-in with the COR during normal business hours or the AOD after hours and weekends. Contractor shall also provide a written service ticket for all services rendered at completion of service.

1. During normal business hours, the COR or AOD shall contact the Contractor when nonscheduled service is needed.

2. During non-business hours the AOD shall contact the Contractor when non-scheduled service is needed.

G. Protection of Government Property

1. Contractor shall take special care to protect Government property to include all exterior porches, turf, walkways and pathways, vegetation and any government property where the services are performed. Equipment that can cause damage to asphalt, blacktop or concrete (i.e. equipment with metal tracks) is prohibited. Tire chains are permitted.

2. Contractor shall be responsible for any damage to concrete curbs, sidewalks, ramps, signage and sign poles, storm drains, utilities serving the facility, manhole and utility access covers, flower beds, shrubbery, trees, parking space stops and areas of lawn and grass incurred during the performance of the contract. Damage to trees and shrubs from trimming shall be repaired by the contractor. The contractor shall be responsible for replacing the damaged plant with a plant of the same size and type. Plant replacement shall occur within 15 days of damage noticed.

3. All damage shall be reported to the Contracting Officer and COR with-in the same business day of the occurrence. Report of damage shall be reported to the COR or AOD within one (1) hour if said damage results in a safety hazard and needs immediate attention. Damage resulting from Contractor operations shall be repaired by the Contractor to the satisfaction of the Contracting Officer at no additional cost to the Government.

OFFEROR INFORMATION PAGE

MATERIALS: Offeror materials consist of Request for Quote forms and any issued amendments which will be provided via email.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENT:

The following documents are to be included in the proposal submission: one (1) original fully completed and signed SF 1449 Offer page, acknowledgment of all amendments either via entering data in acknowledgement of amendment block in the SF 1449 continuation pages and the signed Amendment and attaching that to the original SF 1449 Offer page; one (1) original completed bid schedule if one is provided, otherwise bid amounts are entered in block 24 of the SF1442 Offer page; one (1) original completed/wet ink signed SF 24 Bid Bond (if required);

Offerors are responsible for ensuring and verifying their proposal and all required proposal documents are received at the email address designated in block 19 of the SF 1449 Solicitation and by the date and time specified in block 8 of the SF 1449 Solicitation (subject to amendment).

Additionally a copy of the attached VAAR 852.219-75 Limitations of Subcontracting Certification must be completed.

PROJECT INFORMATION:

PROJECT TITLE AND NUMBER: NIHCS FW GROUNDS MAITENANCE/ SNOW

REMOVAL SERVICES

PROJECT LOCATION: Fort Wayne VA Medical Center, 2121 Lake Avenue Fort Wayne, IN 46805

PROJECT SCOPE OF WORK: The contractor shall provide all supervision, labor, tools, equipment, vehicles, transportation and chemicals necessary to provide full service snow and ice removal and lawn care services. Lawn care services shall maintain healthy grass, trees, shrubs and plants and present a clean, neat and professional appearance. Snow and ice removal services shall be performed in a manner that provides a safe and satisfactory environment. Safety devices shall be utilized at all times on all equipment. The snow and ice removal encompasses snow and ice removal from all designated sites, deicing of all designated areas, removal of snow and ice from all parking lots, drives, walkways, sidewalks, crosswalks and all ramps. Snow and ice removal shall take place approximately from November 1 through March 31st on an as needed basis. These are estimated times and contractor shall be available before November 1st and after March 31st if snow and ice fall occurs before or after those time frames. Lawn and landscaping care includes mowing, edging, trimming, mulching, weeding, over seeding, fertilizing, herbicide and pesticide control, and removal of debris. Lawn care shall take place from April 1st through October 31st. These are estimated times and contractor shall be available before April 1st and after October 31st if the growing season occurs before or after those time frames. See SOW above for additional information.

NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM CODE: (NAICS): 561730

(Landscaping Services)

SMALL BUSINESS SIZE STANDARD: $9.5M

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 365 calendar days from contractor receipt of Notice to Proceed Plus 4 Possible Option Years for Entire Project Scope.

LIQUIDATED DAMAGES: (__) YES or (X) NO (reference Contract Clause FAR Subpart 11- 4)

RESTRICTION ON SUBMISSION AND USE OF EQUAL PRODUCTS: ( ) YES or (X) NO (Reference VAAR 852.236-90)

PERFORMANCE PERIOD: 365 calendar days from receipt of the Notice to Proceed for the base year of the project. Plus 365 calendar days for each additional option year.

RESPONSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: A responsibility check will be accomplished for the apparent awardee prior to award. Checks of the VIP database (to ensure apparently successful offeror is a verified Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business), System for Award Management (SAM) database, Online Representations and Certifications, and Excluded Parties List System to insure registrations are current, valid, and no debarment records exist, and Experian (to check Intelliscore Plus Score to insure it is below a risk value of 4). Any information retrieved or received by the Government that would be cause for negative or unsatisfactory responsibility rating may result in the offeror being determined ineligible for award.

WAGE DETERMINATION: IN2015-4781 12/03/2025

SITE VISIT: An organized site visit is scheduled for May 1st at 9:00AM, attendees will meet at the engineering building for a walk through. (Subject to change VIA Amendment)

REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION (RFI): To obtain clarifications and/or additional information concerning the contract requirements, specifications and/or drawings, submit a written RFI utilizing the RFI Form attached to this Solicitation, send via email to samuel.galbreath@va.gov RFIs must be specific identifying section, paragraph and page no. of the specifications or cite the drawing number and must be in question format. All RFIs submitted shall include the solicitation number and title, contractor name, city, state, telephone, email address, date submitted, and the RFI question(s). RFI responses will be submitted via email.

RFI Deadline is 05/13/2026 at 4:30 EST

There will be no responses to late RFI’s unless the CO determines providing a response would be beneficial to the VA.

SECURITY

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS: All contractor employees are subject to the same level of investigation as VA employees who have access to VA Sensitive Information. The level of background investigation is commensurate with the level of access needed to perform the statement of work. This requirement is also applicable to all subcontractor personnel requiring the same level of access.

Levels and associated types of Background Investigations:

If the project requires that workers have only limited physical access to the VA facility for a period of one year or less, a local flash badge with fingerprint check is issued.

If the project requires that workers require un-supervised, logical and/or physical access for 180 consecutive or aggregate days in a 365-day period, over a 3-year period, a background investigation is required (Special Agency Check (SAC)) which must be completed prior to being allowed access.

If the project requires that workers have un-supervised, full-time, logical, and/or physical access for more than 6 months or more than 180 aggregate days in a one-year period, a background investigation is required (Special Agency Check and National Agency Check with Written Inquiries (NACI)) and access is not allowed until a favorable SAC completion.

B.2 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

ITEM

NUMBE

R

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVI

CES

QUANTI

TY

UNI

T UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

1.00 YR _______________

Fort Wayne Grounds/Snow Removal Base Contract Period: Base POP Begin:

POP End:

Fort Wayne Grounds/Snow Removal OY1 Contract Period: Option 1

Fort Wayne Grounds/Snow Removal OY2 Contract Period: Option 2

Fort Wayne Grounds/Snow Removal OY3 Contract Period: Option 3

Fort Wayne Grounds/Snow Removal OY4 Contract Period: Option 4

GRAND TOTAL _______________

B.3 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

ITEM

NUMBER SHIPPING INFORMATION QUANTITY

DELIVERY

DATE

1.00

36C25026Q0198

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2023) (DEVIATION)

(a) Definitions. The clause at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.202-1, Definitions, is incorporated by reference.

(b) Inspection/Acceptance. The Contractor shall only tender for acceptance those items that conform to the requirements of this contract. The Government reserves the right to inspect or test any supplies or services that have been tendered for acceptance. The Government may require repair or replacement of nonconforming supplies or reperformance of nonconforming services at no increase in contract price. If repair/replacement or reperformance will not correct the defects or is not possible, the Government may seek an equitable price reduction or adequate consideration for acceptance of nonconforming supplies or services. The

Government must exercise its post acceptance rights—

(1) Within a reasonable time after the defect was discovered or should have been discovered; and

(2) Before any substantial change occurs in the condition of the item, unless the change is due to the defect in the item.

(c) Assignment. The Contractor or its assignee may assign its rights to receive payment due as a result of performance of this contract to a bank, trust company, or other financing institution, including any Federal lending agency in accordance with the Assignment of Claims Act

(31 U.S.C. 3727). However, when a third party makes payment (e.g., use of the Governmentwide commercial purchase card), the Contractor may not assign its rights to receive payment under this contract.

(d) Changes. Changes in the terms and conditions of this contract may be made only by written agreement of the parties.

(e) Disputes. This contract is subject to 41 U.S.C. chapter 71, Contract Disputes. Failure of the parties to this contract to reach agreement on any request for equitable adjustment, claim, appeal, or action arising under or relating to this contract shall be a dispute to be resolved in accordance with the clause FAR 52.233-1, Disputes, which is incorporated in this contract by reference. The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any dispute arising under the contract.

(f) Excusable delays. The Contractor shall be liable for default unless nonperformance is caused by an occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the Contractor and without its fault or negligence. Examples of occurrences include acts of God or the public enemy, acts of the

Government in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, unusually severe weather, and delays of common carriers. When an excusable delay occurs, the Contractor shall—

(1) Notify the Contracting Officer in writing as soon as possible;

(2) Remedy the delay as quickly as possible; and

(3) Notify the Contracting Officer when the occurrence is over.

(g) Invoice. The Government will handle invoices according to the Prompt Payment Act (31

U.S.C. 3903) and 5 CFR part 1315. The Contractor shall submit invoices to the address designated in the contract to receive invoices. An invoice must include the information required by 5 CFR part 1315.9(b).

(h) Patent indemnity. The Contractor shall indemnify the Government and its officers, employees, and agents against liability, including costs, for actual or alleged direct or contributory infringement of, or inducement to infringe, any United States or foreign patent, trademark, or copyright, arising out of the performance of this contract, provided the Contractor is reasonably notified of such claims and proceedings.

(i) Payment—

(1) Items accepted. Payment shall be made for items accepted by the Government that have been delivered to the delivery destinations set forth in this contract.

(2) Prompt payment. The Government will make payment in accordance with the Prompt

Payment Act ( 31 U.S.C. 3903) and prompt payment regulations at 5 CFR part 1315.

(3) Discount. In connection with any discount offered for early payment, time shall be computed from the date of the invoice. For the purpose of computing the discount earned, payment shall be considered to have been made on the date that appears on the payment check or the specified payment date if an electronic funds transfer payment is made.

(4) Overpayments. If the Contractor becomes aware of a duplicate contract financing or invoice payment or that the Government has otherwise overpaid on a contract financing or invoice payment, the Contractor shall—

(i) Remit the overpayment amount to the payment office cited in the contract along with a description of the overpayment including the—

(A) Circumstances of the overpayment (e.g., duplicate payment, erroneous payment, liquidation errors, date(s) of overpayment);

(B) Affected contract number and delivery order number, if applicable;

(C) Affected line item or subline item, if applicable;

(D) Contractor point of contact; and

(ii) Provide a copy of the remittance and supporting documentation to the

Contracting Officer.

(5) Interest.

(i) All amounts that become payable by the Contractor to the Government under this contract shall bear simple interest from the date due until paid unless paid within

30 days of becoming due. The interest rate shall be the interest rate established by the

Secretary of the Treasury as provided in 41 U.S.C. 7109, which is applicable to the period in which the amount becomes due, as provided in (i)(6)(v) of this clause, and then at the rate applicable for each six-month period as fixed by the Secretary until the amount is paid.

(ii) The Government may issue a demand for payment to the Contractor upon finding a debt is due under the contract.

(iii) Final decisions. The Contracting Officer will issue a final decision as required by

FAR part 33 if–

(A) The Contracting Officer and the Contractor are unable to reach agreement on the existence or amount of a debt within 30 days;

(B) The Contractor fails to liquidate a debt previously demanded by the

Contracting Officer within the timeline specified in the demand for payment unless the amounts were not repaid because the Contractor has requested an installment payment agreement; or

(C) The Contractor requests a deferment of collection on a debt previously demanded by the Contracting Officer (see FAR part 32).

(iv) If a demand for payment was previously issued for the debt, the demand for payment included in the final decision shall identify the same due date as the original demand for payment.

(v) Amounts shall be due at the earliest of the following dates:

(A) The date fixed under this contract.

(B) The date of the first written demand for payment, including any demand for payment resulting from a termination for cause.

(vi) The interest charge shall be computed for the actual number of calendar days involved beginning on the due date and ending on-

(A) The date on which the designated office receives payment from the

Contractor;

(B) The date of issuance of a Government check to the Contractor from which an amount otherwise payable has been withheld as a credit against the contract debt; or

(C) The date on which an amount withheld and applied to the contract debt would otherwise have become payable to the Contractor.

(vii) The interest charge made under this clause may be reduced under the procedures for interest credits prescribed in FAR part 32 in effect on the date of this contract.

(j) Risk of loss. Unless the contract specifically provides otherwise, risk of loss or damage to the supplies provided under this contract shall remain with the Contractor until, and shall pass to the Government upon—

(1) Delivery of the supplies to a carrier, if transportation is f.o.b. origin; or

(2) Delivery of the supplies to the Government at the destination specified in the contract, if transportation is f.o.b. destination.

(k) Taxes. The contract price includes all applicable Federal, State, and local taxes and duties.

(l) Termination for the Government’s convenience. The Government reserves the right to terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for its sole convenience. In the event of such termination, the

Contractor shall immediately stop all work and shall immediately cause any and all of its suppliers and subcontractors to cease work. Subject to the terms of this contract, the

Contractor shall be paid a percentage of the contract price reflecting the percentage of the work performed prior to the notice of termination, plus reasonable charges the Contractor can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Government using its standard record keeping system, have resulted from the termination. The Contractor shall not be required to comply with the cost accounting standards or contract cost principles for this purpose. This paragraph does not give the Government any right to audit the Contractor’s records. The Contractor shall not be paid for any work performed or costs incurred which reasonably could have been avoided.

(m) Termination for cause. The Government may terminate this contract, or any part hereof, for cause in the event of any default by the Contractor, or if the Contractor fails to comply with any contract terms and conditions, or fails to provide the Government, upon request, with adequate assurances of future performance. The Government will send a cure notice to the

Contractor, unless the reason for the termination is late delivery. In the event of termination for cause, the Government shall not be liable to the Contractor for any amount for supplies or services not accepted, and the Contractor shall be liable to the Government for any and all rights and remedies provided by law. If it is determined that the Government improperly terminated this contract for default, such termination shall be deemed a termination for convenience.

(n) Title. Unless specified elsewhere in this contract, title to items furnished under this contract shall pass to the Government upon acceptance, regardless of when or where the Government takes physical possession.

(o) Warranty. The Contractor warrants and implies that the items delivered under this contract are merchantable and fit for use for the particular purpose described in this contract.

(p) Limitation of liability. Except as otherwise provided by an express warranty, the Contractor will not be liable to the Government for consequential damages resulting from any defect or deficiencies in accepted items.

(q) Compliance with laws unique to Government contracts. The Contractor agrees to comply with 31

U.S.C. 1352 relating to limitations on the use of appropriated funds to influence certain Federal contracts; 40 U.S.C. chapter 37, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards; 41 U.S.C. chapter

87, Kickbacks; 49 U.S.C. 40118, Government-financed air transportation; and 41 U.S.C. chapter

21 relating to procurement integrity.

(r) Order of precedence. Any inconsistencies in this solicitation or contract shall be resolved by giving precedence in the following order:

(1) The schedule of supplies/services;

(2) The Disputes, Payments, Invoice, Compliance with Laws Unique to Government

Contracts, and Unauthorized Obligations paragraphs of this clause;

(3) Other contract clauses incorporated in the solicitation or contract;

(4) Addenda to this solicitation or contract;

(5) Solicitation provisions incorporated in the solicitation;

(6) Other paragraphs of this clause;

(7) Other documents, exhibits, and attachments; and

(8) The specification.

(s) Unauthorized obligations.

(1) Except as stated in paragraph (s)(2) of this clause, when any supply or service acquired under this contract is subject to any End User License Agreement (EULA), Terms of

Service (TOS), or similar legal instrument or agreement, that includes any clause requiring the

Government to indemnify the Contractor or any person or entity for damages, costs, fees, or any other loss or liability that would create an Anti-Deficiency Act violation (31 U.S.C. 1341), the following shall govern:

(i) Any such clause is unenforceable against the Government.

(ii) Neither the Government nor any Government-authorized end user shall be deemed to have agreed to such clause by virtue of it appearing in the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement. If the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement is invoked through an “I agree” click box or other comparable mechanism

(e.g., “click-wrap” or “browse-wrap” agreements), execution does not bind the

Government or any Government authorized end user to such clause.

(iii) Any such clause is deemed to be stricken from the EULA, TOS, or similar legal instrument or agreement.

(2) Paragraph (s)(1) of this clause does not apply to indemnification by the Government that is expressly authorized by statute and specifically authorized under applicable agency regulations and procedures.

(t) Comptroller General examination of record. This paragraph applies if this contract was awarded using other than sealed bid procedures and is in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold on the date of award of this contract.

(1) The Comptroller General of the United States, or an authorized representative of the

Comptroller General, shall have access to and right to examine any of the Contractor’s directly pertinent records involving transactions related to this contract.

(2) The Contractor shall make available at its offices, at all reasonable times, the records, materials, and other evidence for examination, audit, or reproduction, until 3 years after final payment under this contract or for any shorter period specified in FAR part 4, longer period required by statute, or periods specified in other clauses of this contract.