36C78618R0107-00003000.docx

36C786-18-R-0107 AMENDMENT NO. 00003 DATED: February 20, 2018

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 ITE M 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 r eference 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

BY

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) 00003 02-01-2018 8318-000001 N/A Deparment of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration (NCA) Contracting Services Division 75 Heights Road Suite Stafford VA 22556 Same As Block 6.

To all Offerors/Bidders

36C78618R0107 02-01-2018

X X X This amendment is written to provide government final responses to questions received against subject requirement and included under this amendment.

Please note there is no change in the closing date and time for receipt of of prospective offers.

CHARLES A. DANIELS

CONTRACT SPECIALIST

CONTINUATION PAGE

The following are provided as government responses to technical inquiries and to include clarifications to all questions received. This is the government’s final responses there will be no changes made otherwise under this amendment:

QUESTION 1 - Topic: Past Performance Questionnaire , Ref: RFP Pages 47-48, Past Performance Questionnaire - Question: In lieu of using the RFP template, may we provide our Past Performance examples in the same sequence as the ‘fill-ins’ in our established table-format style? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: There will be no change to government format, prospective offerors must provide information requested as requested.

QUESTION 2 - Topic: Headstone Receive Set/Pull-Set/Raise and Realign, Ref: General Info, 3. Background, c) which states: “The cemetery’s anticipated burial rate is 590-600 per year.” Ref: CLINS 0002 and 0003 estimate 325 annual headstone receiving and setting, and 100 annual niche cover receiving and setting respectively.

Comment: There appears to be a discrepancy in the number of estimated headstone and niche receive-set per year (425) versus the number of anticipated internments per year (590-600).

Question: For accurate pricing, can you please clarify or confirm the anticipated receive-set workload? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: CLIN #4 “Headstone replacements, including pulling and setting.” reflects this discrepancy and addresses the subsequent interment rate of Beaufort National Cemetery and the headstones estimated to be re-ordered and set within the year.

QUESTION 3 - Topic: Headstone Setting, Ref: CLINs 0002, 0004 and 0005.

Questions: Please confirm the cemetery has a no-beam system (crushed limestone base material)?

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Beaufort National Cemetery does NOT have a beam system.

QUESTION 4 - Topic: Headstone Raise & Realign, Ref: CLIN 0005, Question: What can we expect with the R&R task; will the 125 per year be realigned in a section as a one-time project, or will the estimated 125 be tasked in small groups (e.g. 2-3 rows at a time, at various times throughout the year). GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The R&R task will be as a one-time project identified by the COR that could encompass a portion of a specific section, or portions of multiple sections. Total headstones per year will not exceed 125.

QUESTION 5 - Topic: Edging, Ref: CLIN 0009, Question: Can you please provide the approximate total linear feet of roadways, sidewalks, and curbs, and the approximate number of tree wells to be edged? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The government doesn’t this area and prospective bidders were invited to an official site visit if warranted, therefore, please the bid the requirement as stated.

QUESTION 6 - Topic: Power Washing, Ref: CLIN 0016, Sweeping or blowing off roads and walkways (50,000 SF); and RFP, Page 21, D.3.b) and RFP, Page 22, D.3.e)(1), stating: “power washing sidewalks, curbs and fencing when required.” Question: Which CLIN do you want us to use for this power-washing work, and can you clarify ‘when required’ with some degree of quantity and frequency? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: “Power washing sidewalks, curbs and fencing when required” – CLIN 16 will cover this requirement twice annually. Both prior to Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

QUESTION 7 - Topic: Floral Vase Holders, Ref: CLIN 0019, Question: How many vase holders need to be cleaned and filled each day? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Ten (10) total vase holder containers should be filled (if empty or low) and cleaned daily)

QUESTION 8 - Topic: Tree Pruning (CLIN 0023) Ref: CLIN 0023 mentions 75 trees in the expansion area; CLIN 0011 mentions approximately 180 tree wells; and CLIN 0020 mentions removing fallen trees and pruning dangerous limbs in the forested buffer area; and the scope and RFP, Pages 19-22, Section D., Scope, General, and Levels of Maintenance specify “trees and shrubs should be properly maintained” (including Flagpole/Assembly area trees). Questions: Can you please clarify the number of trees to be regularly cared for and pruned? Does the NCA have a separate tree-care contract for those trees other than the 75 in the expansion area or the fallen trees / dangerous limbs in the buffer area? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The number of trees identified in CLIN 23, Sevety-75 (75) are required for pruning in this solicitation. NCA does NOT have a separate tree-care contract for those trees other than the 75 in the expansion area. CLIN 11 is specifically for ALL tree wells within the Beaufort National Cemetery. (Expansion area & historic)

QUESTION 9 - Topic: Special Event Support Ref: CLIN 0024 - Comment: We presume the “3 Each” events for this CLIN are Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and the Wreaths Across America weekend, and that our full staff is to be present to support. Question: Can you please include an estimate for the “other weekend special events” and adjust the item quantity as appropriate? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: CLIN 24 is to cover those presumed holidays in question #9. The approximate estimated quantity of “other weekend special events” on an annual basis would be 2 or 3. Therefore, please the bid the requirement as stated.

QUESTION 10 - Topic: Mulching Ref: CLIN 0010 and 0011 Question: Can the Government provide total square footage for CLIN’s 0010 and 0011? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Total square footage is currently unknown. However, past supply orders to cover the mulch within Beaufort National Cemetery have been approximately 90 yards, twice per year, therefore, bid requirement as stated.

QUESTION 11 - Topic: Fertilization Ref: CLIN 0012 - Question: Can the Government provide total square footage for CLIN 0012? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Acreage is stated/listed in SOW, if contractor does not know how to convert acres to square footage, then I question their knowledge level in horticulture/landscape practices and procedures.

QUESTION 12 - Topic: Pine Straw - Ref: CLIN 0015 - Question: Can the Government provide total square footage for CLIN 0015? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Approx. 1 acre for historic burial area behind sections C-1 & C-2.

QUESTION 13 - Topic: Irrigation System Ref: Statement of Work (Page 18, 3.d.) The cemetery is comprised of 49 irrigated turf acres.

Question: Please clarify. If the contractor is responsible for maintenance of the irrigation system, how many acres, zones, heads, and controllers, and what CLIN should we use to account for this work? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Contractor is NOT responsible for maintenance of the irrigation systems. This item will be removed.

QUESTION 14 - Topic: Description of Services Ref: Statement of Work (Page 21. 3. A) states “The contractor is responsible for janitorial operations, window cleaning, cleaning of building exteriors, including windows, shelters, columbarium and flag plaza, power washing sidewalks, curbs, and fencing when required.” Question: Which CLIN would you like us to use for this work? Could the government provide square footage of each building, window count and size, and square footage of sidewalks? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Contractor is NOT responsible for janitorial services. This is a separate contract. This language will be removed.

QUESTION 15 - Topic: Sucker Removal Ref: CLIN 0020, Statement of Work (Page 22, 3.) – The contractor is responsible for removing suckers in the buffer areas. Question: Could the Government provide a tree count and species for sucker removal? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: There are approx. 10 trees in the buffer area behind sections C-1 & C-2. They are of the Pine variety of species.

QUESTION 16 - Topic: Weed and Disease Control Ref: CLIN 0013 - Question: Could the government provide the diseases that aim to be controlled? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: These are general/common grass disease associated with southern warm-season grasses(centipede). The contractor should have knowledge of disease of southern warm season grasses.

QUESTION 17 - Topic: Leaf and Tree Debris Collection and Removal Ref: CLIN 0022 - Question: While the CLIN quantity states 12 months, could the government provide how many times per year this task needs to be performed? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: This requirement is a monthly requirement. Therefore, 12 times per year.

QUESTION 18 - Topic: General Information in PWS Ref: Section 4 states “Performance Period: The contractor shall complete the work required under this statement of work in 14 days or less from the date of award, unless otherwise directed by the contracting officer.” Question: Can you please clarify this statement? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: This is standard government language when contractor has completed work reference to statement of work under contractor and thereafter, the COR reviews and states that it’s not in compliance. Contracting Officer will determine corrective action as it arises, in accordance with contract requirements.

QUESTION 19 - Topic: Headstone Cleaning and Maintenance Ref: CLIN 0001- Questions: Can the government provide more detail as to what headstone cleaning and maintenance entails? Does this simply mean power washing iaw NCA standards? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Standard government language, if your familiar with government requirements in this area, you must have the expertise to comply with NCA standards. The abbreviation (iaw), is short for “In accordance with” meaning additional guidance that should be complied.

QUESTION 20 - Topic: Aeration, Dethatching, and Topdressing Ref: PWS D.3.c.11 states the contractor should perform aeration, dethatching, and topdressing; these tasks are not addressed in the Amendment 2 Attachments. Question: Can the government please confirm this requirement and provide the associated CLIN? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The government stands by the language stated an there will be no change. Once again, the government is requesting that prospective bidders with high level of expertise in ground maintenance services, bid requirement as stated.

QUESTION 21 - Topic: Use of Cemetery Facilities Ref: Statement of Work Section 6 Questions: The SOW states that the contractor will not be furnished with a building however will the government provide an area on the cemetery where we can store supplies, container, and office trailer? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Area adjacent to the “Old Maintenance Building” inside fenced area will be provided for contractor. This was explained during the Official Site Visit held at Beaufort National Cemetery, SC. After award of contract, the government will allow awardee to understand what is consider the “contractor’s laydown area”.

QUESTION 22 - Topic: Headstone Count Ref: CLIN 0009-40009 - Questions: CLIN 0001 increases by 600 headstones each year, presumably shouldn’t that mean that the headstone count of 21,000 should increase each year by 600 in CLINs 0009-4009? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Subsequent interments are taken out of this equation because they will be replacing the existing headstone. Therefore, the number does not double from year to year.

QUESTION 23 - Topic: Gravesite Sizes Ref: Gravesite Sizes Questions: What size gravesites are present at Beaufort National Cemetery? Can the government also provide a count of gravesites based on size? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: There are four (4) different gravesite sizes present at Beaufort National Cemetery. 4X4 (in-ground cremation) 1,740 in total, 4X8 (Traditional Burial Sections) 742 in total, 3X8 (Pre-Placed Crypt Sections) 4,385 in total, and 5X10 (traditional Burial Sections) 17,730 in total.

QUESTION 24 - Topic: Headstone Areas Ref: Cemetery Acreage Questions: Can the government provide acreage of gravesites and acreage of areas without gravesites? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Cemetery total acreage was provided in SOW.

QUESTION 25 - Page 25, 8. a) is it the government’s requirement “The Project Manager must have no less than two (2) years’ experience as a direct supervisor of a commercial construction operation that includes surveying, soil excavation, and site construction in industrial, commercial and/or public sites.” on a grounds maintenance project with a NAICS 561730 code? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: (Project Manager requirements remains as stated, the NAICS 561730 code does not prevent the manager from have basic experience for this statement of work.)

QUESTION 26 - Attachment A: Will the contractor be required to use any chemical on the headstones during cleaning? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Attachment A, Headstone maintenance and Cleaning on pages 3 & 4 it states that.... Clean water shall be used to clean headstone. Cleaning techniques with water shall include high pressure spraying, scrubbing and/or rinsing.

QUESTION 27 - Are there water spigots located throughout the cemetery? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Yes and this will be addressed with the awardee contractor.

QUESTION 28 - We noticed that the cemetery is not up to standards of the scope of work that we are going to be held to. What is the turnaround time that we would have to get the cemetery up to speed without penalty? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The timeframe for our standard is perpetual and this will be addressed with the awardee contractor.

QUESTION 29 - The contract states that 95% of the grounds are to be covered with grass, but under all the trees there is centipede grass which does not grow well under trees/ shade. Is it acceptable to have thin grass under the shade trees? I GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Contractor may use mulch or cool/warm-season grass under the trees to maintain the 95% coverage.

QUESTION 30 - Some of the headstones have a orange shade to them because of the mineral water used to clean them in the past. Is the new contractor responsible to fix this issue or are we always going to be using water with these types of minerals in them? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The awardee contractor is not responsible to fix the iron staining caused by the well water. The expansion area of Beaufort National Cemetery has recently had its’ wells replaced and the historic portion is on schedule to have the same completed by 2018 -2019. Thus, the iron minerals in the water will not be present when cleaning takes place.

QUESITON 31 - Is it required that the mower have baggers on them at all times? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: During mowing it is not a requirement to have baggers for the mowers. However, during sweeping of leaves it is required.

QUESTION 32 - The solicitation states, " Contractor is required to maintain trees at a maximum height of 15 feet." Does this mean that we are not required to provide any thinning of trees over 15 feet, but to only provide lifting of the skirts and suckers? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Means that the contractor will prune all trees from ground at base of tree and up to 15 feet.

QUESTION 33 - Per Attachment C: Lawn Maintenance: Fertilizing, Weeding, C.4. “Water will be furnished by the Government; this facility has an automatic irrigation system throughout which will be monitored and regulated by the Contractor under the supervision of the COR.” Could the Government clarify which CLIN you would like us to use for irrigation system maintenance? If the contractor is responsible for maintenance of the irrigation system, can the Government provide additional information including the total acreage covered by the system, number of zones, heads, and controllers? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Contractor is NOT responsible for irrigation maintenance at Beaufort National Cemetery. This is hereby removed.

QUESTION 34 - Per Attachment C: Lawn Maintenance: Fertilizing, Weeding, D.3. “When soil tests indicate a need for lime, it shall be applied at the rate indicated in those tests. Time of application shall be in late fall or early winter, unless local practice indicates a more favorable time.” Can the Government clarify which CLIN you would like us to use for liming? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The CLIN for soil testing is #13 in the Price/Cost Schedule.

QUESTION 35 - Per Attachment C: Lawn Maintenance: Fertilizing, Weeding, D.5. “Gophers and moles and any other pest shall be controlled by elimination of their food source using pesticides applied by a licensed applicator. The Contractor shall ensure that soil shall be tamped into holes and turf replaced or reseeded to insure acceptable appearance always.” Could the Government clarify which CLIN you would like us to use for gopher and mole pest control? CLIN 0013 includes fire ant control, however there is no mention of gophers or moles. GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: CLIN # 13 states “Fire Ant Control & Pest Control as required” Gophers/Moles would fall under & Pest control as required for this CLIN.

QUESTION 36 - Per Attachment G: Plant Material Maintenance, B.1.a. “trees and shrubs are to be maintained in healthy, vigorous condition free of pests and disease.” Can the Government confirm all 75 trees in CLIN 0023 are located in the expansion area? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Confirmed. All 75 trees in the requirement are in the expansion area of Beaufort National Cemetery.

QUESTION 37 - Per Attachment G: Plant Material Maintenance, B.1.b “Trees and shrubs shall be trimmed and maintained at a proper size and shape for its size and type per industry standards.” There is no CLIN to include shrub maintenance, can the Government please clarify which CLIN you would like us to use for shrub maintenance? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: The word “shrub” should be removed. Maintenance and care of shrubs will be conducted by cemetery staff.

QUESTIONS 38 - Per Attachment G: Plant Material Maintenance, B.1.b “Trees and shrubs shall be trimmed and maintained at a proper size and shape for its size and type per industry standards.” Can the Government also provide a total shrub count? GOVERNMENT RESPONSE: Government has no count. Contractor should numerate from site visit.

XX LAST ITEM ALL OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS REMAINS UNCHANGED.XX

End of Document