S06 36C25723Q0749 0001.pdf

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE 7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER 3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO. 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office. is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30 PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

(Type or print) (Type or print)

(Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code)

(If other than Item 6)

(Specify type of modification and authority)

(such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

1 13

05-25-2023

504-23-3-6133-0028

36C257

Department Of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 17

5441 Babcock Road Ste. 302 San Antonio TX 78240

36C257

Department Of Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office 17

5441 Babcock Road Ste. 302 San Antonio TX 78240

To all Offerors/Bidders 36C25723Q0749

05-15-2023 X

X X

See CONTINUATION Page

X 1

The purpose of this amendment is to provide site visit sign-in sheet, publish questions and answers submitted, and revised SOW (all changes highlighted).

See continuation page. No other information is changed.

CONTINUATION PAGE

REVISED STATEMENT OF WORK

LOCATION: Thomas E. Creek VA Health Care System 6010 West Amarillo Boulevard Amarillo, TX 79106-1990

Description of Services. The Contractor shall provide all labor, tools, materials, equipment, transportation, supervision, and other items and services necessary to perform grounds maintenance and snow removal services at Thomas E. Creek Veterans Healthcare Service as described in the attached specifications and drawings.

GENERAL

I. BACKGROUND

A. The Amarillo VA Health Care System’s Thomas E. Creek hospital located in Amarillo, Texas requires grounds maintenance and snow removal service.

B. The Contractor is subject to the application of VA Directive 0710 titled Personnel Security and Suitability Program from June 4, 2010, https://www.va.gov/SECURITYINVESTIGATIONSCENTER/Directives_and_Regulatory_Guid ance.asp#:~:text=VA%20Directive%200710%20%E2%80%93%20Personnel%20Security%20a nd%20Suitability,management%20of%20the%20personnel%20suitability%20and%20security% 20program.

II. DEFINITIONS/ACRONYMS

A. CO - Contracting Officer: The Contracting Officer is a person with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings. The term includes certain authorized representatives of the Contracting Officer acting within the limits of their authority as delegated by the Contracting Officer.

B. COR - Contracting Officer’s Representative: Is responsible to furnish technical guidance and advice or generally monitor the work performed under the contract. Representatives will not be authorized to make any commitments or changes, which will affect the price, quantity, and quality or delivery terms. A Contracting Officer acting within his/her authority is the only authorized Government employee to execute all changes to a contract.

C. PMI – Preventive Maintenance Inspection: Services which are periodic in nature and are required to maintain the equipment in such condition that it may be operated in accordance with its intended design and functional capacity with minimal incidence of malfunction or inoperative conditions.

https://www.va.gov/SECURITYINVESTIGATIONSCENTER/Directives_and_Regulatory_Guidance.asp#:%7E:text=VA%20Directive%200710%20%E2%80%93%20Personnel%20Security%20and%20Suitability,management%20of%20the%20personnel%20suitability%20and%20security%20program https://www.va.gov/SECURITYINVESTIGATIONSCENTER/Directives_and_Regulatory_Guidance.asp#:%7E:text=VA%20Directive%200710%20%E2%80%93%20Personnel%20Security%20and%20Suitability,management%20of%20the%20personnel%20suitability%20and%20security%20program https://www.va.gov/SECURITYINVESTIGATIONSCENTER/Directives_and_Regulatory_Guidance.asp#:%7E:text=VA%20Directive%200710%20%E2%80%93%20Personnel%20Security%20and%20Suitability,management%20of%20the%20personnel%20suitability%20and%20security%20program https://www.va.gov/SECURITYINVESTIGATIONSCENTER/Directives_and_Regulatory_Guidance.asp#:%7E:text=VA%20Directive%200710%20%E2%80%93%20Personnel%20Security%20and%20Suitability,management%20of%20the%20personnel%20suitability%20and%20security%20program

III. SUMMARY OF WORK

A. Maintain Grounds. The contractor shall provide services identified below for all grounds identified in Attachment 1.

1. Mowing of all Grass Areas. Grass and vegetation shall be maintained between 2 to 4 inches in height, in all grassy areas. Grass clippings shall be bagged during mowing. All tree limbs, pinecones, litter, and other debris shall be picked up and disposed of prior to each mowing.

2. Contractor will blow all sidewalks and streets to clear them of grass particles immediately following mowing. Contractor shall remove all and dispose of all collected material off site. All damage by the Contractor to government property (to include personal property of AMAVHCS patients, visitors, and employees) due to performance of mowing operations shall be repaired or replaced by the contractor at no additional cost to the government within 15 days after identification/notification.

3. Schedule for mowing is as follows.

a. March and October, First and Third week of the month

b. April through September, each week of the month

B. Herbicide, Fertilizer Treatment and Fungicide Application Procedures. The contractor shall perform treatment in accordance with federal and state regulations. The contractor will submit an herbicide and fungicide plan to the COR for approval. Contractor is responsible for handling and applying all chemicals in accordance with applicable regulations with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA), Center for Disease Control (CDC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other applicable local laws. Hazardous waste shall be properly disposed and documented by the Contractor and shall be manifested under the Contractors identification number. Contractor may be required to furnish copies of manifests.

1. Chemical Weed Control, Manual Weed Removal, Pesticides. The Contractor shall apply a preemergent, post emergent herbicide and fertilizer to irrigated areas at appropriate times based on weather conditions. Curbs, sidewalks, parking lots and pavement shall be free of weeds.

Contractor shall control weeds primarily by manual or mechanical removal in conjunction with mulching and mowing of grass to promote growth of grass. All areas, except open lawn areas, shall be weeded at the same frequency as mowing. All weeds shall be removed from the work site at the time of weeding. At no time should weeds be allowed to exceed three inches. Weeds in paved areas, curbs and sidewalks may be controlled with a chemical herbicide provided they are treated before the growth exceeds three inches in height. If this height is exceeded, weeds in paved areas must be removed by hand.

2. The Contractor shall submit a weed control plan to the COR prior to any herbicide application being allowed. The plan must be updated before any new herbicide is used. The weed control plan shall detail:

a) The type of herbicide(s) to be applied, with the name &EPA number & application rate (amount per acre).

b) Timing of application(s). Spring pre and post emergent with fertilization no later than 2nd Friday in May. Contractor defined intervals throughout summer for weed control and fertilization for adequate control of weeds and promotion of lawn growth/health. Fall pre and post emergent with fertilization no later than last week in November.

c) The type of application equipment.

3. Contractor personnel handling and applying herbicides shall possess and maintain a current State of Texas Applicators license, business license and training in the appropriate herbicide/pesticide categories. A copy of all state certifications/licenses of personnel applying pesticides herbicides shall be provided to the COR seven days prior to the application of any pesticide. No uncertified technicians will be authorized to mix or apply herbicides.

4. The Contractor shall furnish the COR with labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all herbicides to be approved by the AVAHCS Pest Management Coordinator and Green Environmental Management System (GEMS) coordinator prior to use. Herbicides will be applied in accordance with label directions, including required personal protective equipment, application rates, and use restrictions.

5. Contractors must have a spill kit on each vehicle capable of containing 110% of the greatest container volume. All wastes shall be the responsibility of the Contractor and will be disposed of offsite in accordance with all Federal and State regulations pertaining to hazardous chemicals, wastes, and herbicides/pesticides. In no manner will the Government be responsible for off-site disposals.

C. Snow removal

1. Within 2 hours of initial notification from the COR, the Contractor shall begin snowplow/sanding/ salting/ice removal procedures. Parking lots and entrances shall be plowed. It shall be plowed to the bare pavement with no trailing windrows left in the areas. Any areas too icy to plow shall be salted/sanded. The parking lot curbs shall be visible and catch basins exposed. All parking spaces shall be cleared of snow and available for parking. All sidewalks, exterior stairways and entrances shall be shoveled and/or plowed to bare concrete and ice melt applied as necessary. The contractor may do pretreatment if they chose to do so. The contractor will be required to take ‘before and after’ time-stamped pictures to be emailed to the COR, if the COR cannot be present to verify the work performed. The pictures provide the Government with verification of services performed and approval/rejection of invoices. Pictures need to be provided of the area being serviced. Location of pictures is as shown on the site map. The pictures shall be timely upon completion of services; all serviced areas shall be fully documented. The Government will not APPROVE invoices without pictures to verify services have been performed satisfactorily.

2. Snow removal schedule. Estimated at 1 week each for January, February, November, and December. This is subject to change based on snowfall amounts and timing.

D. Contractor-Furnished Equipment/Vehicles. The contractor shall provide and maintain all equipment and vehicles necessary to perform the requirements of this contract. The contractor may perform cleaning, minor repair and other normal maintenance requirements of equipment on site. Maintenance and repair of contractor vehicles or their privately owned vehicles shall not be accomplished on site. Contractor vehicles shall be maintained to present a neat, professional appearance.

1. All equipment used in the performance of this contract shall be in operable condition and carry a U/L (Underwriters Laboratory) listing, if applicable. Equipment found to be unsafe and unable to function as designed, shall not be used in performance of this contract. The contracting officer or designated representative may inspect the contractor’s equipment and vehicles at any time and direct the removal of any unsafe or unusable equipment or vehicle from the installation.

Any replaced equipment or vehicle shall be at the contractor’s expense.

2. The contractor shall coordinate availability of a sufficient quantity of equipment and vehicles to effectively fulfill the scope of this contract. Equipment failure or maintenance requirements shall not alleviate the contractor from meeting the performance standards contained in this contract.

E. Quality Control. The contractor shall develop and maintain a quality control program to ensure grounds maintenance services are performed in accordance with commonly accepted commercial practices and services identified in this PWS. The contractor shall develop and implement procedures to identify, prevent, and ensure non-performance and continual repeat of defective service does not occur. A written Quality Control Plan shall be submitted with technical proposal. The plan shall specifically address the contractor’s strategy to provide quality workmanship, continual process improvement and for correcting deficiencies as required.

F. Quality Assurance. The government shall inspect and evaluate the contractor’s performance to ensure services are received in accordance with requirements set forth in this contract. The COR shall inspect by watching actual task performance, physically checking an attribute of the completed task, checking a management information report, investigating customer complaints, conferring with facility managers, or otherwise inspecting the task or its results to determine whether performance meets the standards contained in this SOW. The COR will use the contractor’s work schedule or modified version thereof, to record surveillance. Results of the surveillance then become the official AVAHCS record of the Contractor’s performance. When a performance threshold has not been met or contractor performance has not been accomplished, the COR will initiate and provide the Contracting Officer a Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR) for issuance to the contractor. The contractor shall respond to the CDR IAW instructions provided and return it to the Contracting Officer within 10 calendar days of receipt.

G. Surveillance Methods.

1. Periodic Surveillances. This method requires the COR to employ a “spot check” style of evaluation based on the contractor’s schedule. Periodic surveillances will be conducted on a scheduled basis (Daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annually) and may be adjusted, based on quality trends.

a) Any unsatisfactory inspection (defect) result will be recorded, and the Contractor shall re-perform the service after notification by the COR.

b) Failing to meet the performance threshold as outlined in the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan for any of these performance objectives in any one-month period shall result in a warning or letter of concern from the Contracting Officer.

c) Failing to meet the performance threshold as outlined in the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan of these performance objectives in any combination for any two, or more consecutive or non-consecutive months during a contract period shall constitute an immediate Progress Meeting with the Multi-functional Team. All remedies shall be in accordance with the FAR 52.212-4 (a), Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items, Inspection/Acceptance.

H. Periodic Progress Meetings. The Contracting Officer, Facility Director, COR, other government personnel as appropriate, and the Contractor will periodically meet to discuss the Contractor’s performance. The minutes will be recorded in writing. Should the contractor not concur with the minutes, the contractor will provide written notification to the Contracting Officer identifying areas of non-concurrence for resolution.

I. Contractors shall be equipped with all necessary tools, equipment, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to perform the work safely, effectively, and timely. Tools, equipment, and PPE shall comply with the requirements of OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910, Subpart I, and NFPA 70E.

J. Government Furnished Property and Services

1. Government Furnished Facilities. The contractor shall confine all operations (including storage of materials) on Government premises to areas authorized and approved by the COR.

The contractor shall not hold the Government, its officers, and agents, liable of any theft or damage to equipment stored or used on government property. Temporary buildings, storage containers, and utilities may be brought onsite by the contractor only with the approval of the COR and shall be built of approved materials with no expense to the Government. Temporary buildings and utilities shall remain the property of the contractor and shall be removed and the existing grounds restored by the contractor at the contractor’s expense upon completion of the contract.

K. When materials are transported in prosecuting the work, vehicles shall not be loaded beyond the loading capacity recommended by the manufacturer of the vehicle or prescribed by any Federal, State, or local law or regulation. When it is necessary to cross curbs or sidewalks, the Contractor shall protect them from damage. The Contractor shall pay for the repair of any damaged curbs, sidewalks, or roads.

1. All flammable liquids shall be handled, stored, and used in accordance with National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) Standard No. 30-1998.

2. Maintain site to permit access of fire department vehicles at all times. All portions of building entrance and exits must always be accessible for fire department apparatus and permit emergency egress of personnel.

L. Perform services to interfere as little as possible with normal functioning of the VAMC as a whole, including operations of utility services, fire protection systems and any existing equipment, and with work being done by others.

M. Government Furnished Utilities. The Government will furnish electricity, water and sewage service as necessary for accomplishment of work in accordance with this contract.

1. Utility Conservation. The Contractor shall adhere to all AVAHCS utility conservation practices or requirements. The contractor shall be responsible for operating under conditions that prevent waste of utilities.

2. Telephone Service. Telephone service shall be provided by the contractor at the contractor’s expense.

3. Security, Fire and Medical Services. The Government will provide police and fire protection in the event of a medical emergency.

4. Refuse Collection and Disposal. The contractor shall use existing bulk containers/dumpsters to dispose of trash/debris. The COR will identify these specific dumpsters for use. Refuse (leaves, limbs, grass clippings, etc.) generated from accomplishment of services detailed in this PWS will be disposed of offsite at contractors’ expense.

N. General Information

1. Hours of Operation. The contractor shall perform the services required under this contract during the base hours of operation: 7:00A.M. – 4:30P.M., Monday through Friday. The contractor may find it necessary to deviate from the normal AVAHCS hours of operation (i.e., working on Saturday, Sunday, early, or late) due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances, to ensure timely completion of work under this PWS at no additional cost to the government. Contractor shall communicate and submit request to the COR.

2. Employees will wear shirts when on site and performing contract work. Engineering will issue the contractor temporary badges for all employees. Badges must be displayed while on AVAHCS property.

3. AVAHCS will not provide lunchroom or washroom facilities.

4. Water will be available through hose connections for use by Contractor. The COR shall provide locations of those connections. Contractor is responsible for transportation of water, safe routing of hoses, and repairs to leaking hoses.

5. Contractor shall be required to work after hours and/or weekends to access areas blocked by vehicles during VA's normal business hours. Contractor is responsible for determining which areas are affected during the site visit.

6. Contractor employees shall not be considered government employees for any purpose under the contract.

O. Federal Holidays. The contractor is not required to perform services on Federal Holidays. If the holiday falls on Saturday, the preceding Friday will be observed. If the holiday falls on Sunday, the following Monday will be observed. If a holiday falls on a scheduled service day, the Contractor will be responsible for rescheduling services for the first day past the holiday observance.

New Year’s Day - 1 January Martin Luther King Day - 3rd Monday in January Presidents Day - 3rd Monday in February Memorial Day - last Monday in May Juneteenth – 19 June Independence Day - 4 July Labor Day - 1st Monday in September Columbus Day - 2nd Monday in October Veteran’s Day - 11 November Thanksgiving Day - 4th Thursday in November Christmas Day - 25 December

P. AVAHCS Closures. Work scheduled but not accomplished because of AVAHCS closure due to natural disaster or any unforeseen circumstance will be accomplished as soon as possible after reopening AVAHCS.

Q. Fuel Spill Response. The Contractor will be briefed on AVAHCS spill response procedures at the pre-performance conference. The Contractor is responsible to report and promptly cleanup all spills in a manner consistent with current environmental regulations. In the event that it is necessary to utilize government material, equipment or personnel to clean up a Contractor caused spill, the Contractor shall be required to reimburse the government for all associated costs.

R. Hazardous Material/Waste Management. The Contractor will be briefed on AVAHCS Hazardous Material/Waste Management Plan at the pre-performance conference.

1. Hazardous Materials. The Contractor shall not use products that are or contain toxic chemicals, Extremely Hazardous Substances (EHS), Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS), and/or Persistent Bio-accumulative and Toxic (PBT) chemicals. Any hazardous materials containing one of these banned substances will not be allowed on AVAHCS property.

S. Traffic Laws. The Contractor and its employees shall comply with VA Police traffic regulations.

T. Weapons, Firearms, and Ammunition. Contractor employees are prohibited from possessing weapons, firearms, or ammunition, on themselves or within their contractor-owned or privately owned vehicle while on AVAHCS property.

U. Reporting Requirements. Contractor personnel shall report to an appropriate authority any information or circumstances of which they are aware may pose a threat to the security of AVAHCS patients, visitors, employed personnel, contractor personnel and resources.

V. Physical Security. The Contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all government property and controlled forms provided for contractor use. At the end of each work period, all government facilities, equipment, and materials shall be secured.

X. Contract Manager. The Contractor shall establish and maintain an office through which the contract manager or alternate(s) can be contacted during work hours. The contract manager or alternate shall be available during normal duty hours to meet on the installation within 2 hours with the government personnel designated by the Contracting Officer to discuss problem areas.

The Contractor shall provide the CO telephone number(s) where surveillance results and complaints can be reported. The Contractor shall also provide to the Contracting Officer the names and phone/pager numbers of Contractor POCs for after business hours including nights, weekends, and holidays. This information will be kept updated by the Contractor whenever personnel changes occur. The contract manager or alternate shall have full authority to act for the Contractor on all contract matters relating to the daily operation of this contract.

Y. Personnel. Contractor personnel shall present a neat appearance. Contractor personnel shall be easily recognizable while on the installation in conjunction with this contract. Each employee shall have and display a Government-furnished identifying badge. Contractor personnel shall wear uniforms which will be not less than a shirt and pants, not provided by the Government, identifying them as Contractor employees. The coloring or design of the item selected should be such that identifies personnel easily and quickly for reasons of safety and personal protection.

Smoking is not allowed on AVAHCS facilities. The government is authorized to restrict the employment under the contract of any contractor employee or prospective contractor employee, who is identified as a potential threat to the health, safety, security, general well-being or operational mission of AVAHCS and its population.

Z. Name Tag Control. The Contractor shall establish and implement methods of making sure all badges issued to the Contractor by the government are not lost or misplaced and are not used by unauthorized persons. The Contractor shall immediately report to the COR any occurrences of lost or duplicated badges.

AA. Schedules. The contractor shall submit a schedule for all services described in this PWS to the COR for approval at the pre-performance conference and at each change in the growing/non-growing season. The schedule shall identify plots, acreages, or base areas and days of the week service will occur. The contractor shall be allowed 30 calendar days to adjust work schedules based on inspections and traffic if applicable. Any modified work schedule shall be submitted to the COR for approval within 10 calendar days after the first contract month period. The contractor shall not deviate from the approved schedule without prior approval from the COR.

Permanent changes to the schedule must be submitted 10 calendar days before implementation and receive COR approval before the Government will allow the proposed changes. The schedule may be submitted electronically using a file format compatible with Government software programs.

AB. Distinguished Visitor (DV) and VIP visits. Occurrence-based (non-permanent) schedule changes due to AVAHCS director requests shall be submitted to the COR and do not require Contracting Officer approval. The COR shall have the ability to adjust the contractor’s grounds mowing schedule for DV and/or VIP visits to either the route or a specific area at AVAHCS at no additional cost.

AC. Contract Type. Contract will be a firm fixed price contract with a Base Year and 4 Option Years.

AD. Period of Performance. TBD upon award.

AE. Invoicing. All invoices shall be submitted in arrears, properly prepared in accordance with FAR 52.212-4, contain sufficient details, and match with the service tickets for the work rendered.

1. Invoices for fixed monthly fee shall be properly prepared and submitted to current invoice system or as directed by COR.

2. These invoices shall be sent in arrears at the beginning of each month following the month in which the services were rendered and billed for. At a minimum, all invoices shall include the following details:

a) Description of the services rendered.

b) Billing period in which the services were rendered.

c) Correct purchase order number which shall be issued by the Contracting Officer after the contract is awarded. Invoices without correct purchase order number shall be rejected and returned to the Contractor.

d) Invoice number and date.

3. Payments shall be made in accordance with the prompt payment act out of the Government annual appropriated funds obligated in a purchase order which shall be issued after the contract is awarded.

AF. Security Procedures.

1. Contractors are required to submit all personal information for a background investigation and receive a favorable adjudication before AVAHCS Human Resources issues a badge. The COR will provide the awarded contractor with required forms and be point of contact for any questions.

2. Contractor’s employees shall not enter the AVAHCS site without appropriate badge. They may also be subject to inspection of their personal effects when entering, while at, or leaving the AVAHCS site.

3. For working outside the “regular hours” as defined in the contract, Contractor shall give 7 days’ notice to the COR so that arrangements can be provided for the employees.

4. No photography of VA premises is allowed without written permission of the COR.

5. VA reserves the right to close down or shut down the project site and order Contractor’s employees off the premises in the event of a national emergency. The Contractor may return to the site only with the written approval of the COR.

B.4 PRICE/COST SCHEDULE

ITEM INFORMATION

RFQ 36C25723Q0749 – AMA Grounds Maintenance and Snow Removal

Amendment #1 Questions and Answers

Q1: Can you please provide the name of the incumbent, the contract number, period of performance, and total award amount?

ITEM

NUMBER

DESCRIPTION OF

SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

40.00 WK __________________ __________________

Grounds Maintenance and Snow Removal

Contract Period: Base POP Begin: 06-05-2023 POP End: 06-04-2024

Contract Period: Option 1 POP Begin: 06-05-2024 POP End: 06-04-2025

Contract Period: Option 2 POP Begin: 06-05-2025 POP End: 06-04-2026

Contract Period: Option 3 POP Begin: 06-05-2026 POP End: 06-04-2027

Ground Maintenance and Snow Removal

Contract Period: Option 4 POP Begin: 06-05-2027 POP End: 06-04-2028

GRAND TOTAL __________________

A1: There is no contract currently in place for these services. This is a new requirement.

Q2: The price schedule provides a quantity of 36 weeks per each year (Section B.4, page 19). Can you describe which months grounds maintenance services are typically performed, and which months is snow removal performed to make up these 36 weeks?

A2: Please see highlighted areas of the revised Statement of Work (SOW). Mowing will take place weekly April – September, and 1st and 3rd weeks during March and October. Snow removal is estimated at 1 week each for January, February, November and December.

This is subject to change based on snowfall amounts and timing. Section B.4 has been updated to read 40 weeks per each year.

Q3: We are looking to subcontract for this project, and I saw on the bid packages that says that (the contractor will not pay more than 50% of the amount to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs or certified VOSBs). Will this be required when we submit our bid?

A3: Yes, this requirement is a SDVOSB set-aside. Please see VAAR 852.219-73(b)(3), “For the purpose of limitations on subcontracting, only certified SDVOSBs listed in the SBA certification database (including independent contractors) shall be considered eligible and/or “similarly situated”. “

Q4: According to Section E.4 “Instructions to Offerors” (page 42 of the solicitation) & Section E.5 “Basis For Award” (pg. 42), it describes that a capability statement should be submitted for evaluation for Factor 1, Technical Capability. It instructs that the capability statement should be a maximum of 2 pages in length. Is a Quality Control Plan due at the time of submission, and will it be considered as a part of the capability statement taking up part of the 2 page maximum, or will a QCP be required for submission only after award?

A4: A Quality Control Plan is not due at time of RFQ submission, only after award.

Q5: Will the government allow a connex in the laydown area? (p8)

A5: Yes

Q6: Are there trash cans that need to be emptied? If so, how often?

A6: No, N/A.

Q7: Will there be any tree cutting and if so, will the government pay by the size of the tree (small medium large)?

A7: No, N/A.

Q8: Is the trimming of trees and shrubs on the contract?

A8: No.

Q9: Who will supply the barrels for the ice melt?

A9: Contractor.

Q10: Who will be responsible for the irrigation? If the contractor is responsible what is entailed in the maintenance?

A10: Irrigation is an In-house responsibility; no contractor responsibility.

Q11: Where will the snow be pushed after a snow event?

A11: Along the exterior fences for parking lots and roads, in the adjacent grass for sidewalks.

Q12: On page 19, it states that the service is for 36 weeks but right under it it references the whole year. Is the contract only for 36 weeks a year and if so what 36 weeks are we referencing?

A12: Please see highlighted areas of the revised Statement of Work (SOW). Mowing will take place weekly April – September, and 1st and 3rd weeks during March and October.

Snow removal is estimated at 1 week each for January, February, November and December. This is subject to change based on snowfall amounts and timing. Section B.4 has been updated to read 40 weeks per each year.

Q13: On page 11 it states the contractor must provide a shirt and pants for the uniform is the contractor required to provide pants or can the employees use their own work pants?

A13: Employee can wear their own work pants; uniform shirts are required.

See attached document: S04 Site Visit sign in sheet 5 19 2023.