36C78619Q0053-0002001.pdf

Solicitation 36C78619Q0053

Grounds Maintenance Services for Jacksonville National Cemetery

FY2019 Base plus 4 Option Years

Solicitation Questions:

1. I would like to know the square footage area needing lawn maintenance service

Government Response: Approximately 29 Acres. Use your best judgement when considering cost, that’s why the government provided an official site visit for your opportunity to view all work requirements.

2. Can we get previous contractor and price.

Contract Number: VA786-14-C-0095 | Vendor: Worrell Contracting Co. Inc | Value for Base and Four Option Years: $2,426,334.00

3. Would you please review and confirm the quantities on the pricing schedule for CLINS

2030-2036, 3031-3036, 4033-4036?

A revised solicitation is posted with this amendment with corrected pricing schedule/CLIN quantities.

4. In regards to the CLIN004 (Attachment B): For irrigation system maintenance, at what point is the government responsible for the cost of the repairs?

Government Response: This will be addressed on a case by case basis depending on the repair required.

5. There were a number of different issues that we see the past contractor did not address.

(Examples are [1] Pond 4 needs to be brought back up to standards, [2] Pressing washing, and [3] Few SOD areas need to be replaced) Is there a certain time frame that you want to see these areas up to par?

Government Response: Within 2 months.

6. My question, is the contractor going to be penalized if a government official(s) has not completed PPIRS on contracts?

Contractors will not be penalized against past performance ratings in PPIRS, these ratings only serve as a cross reference mechanism. In worst case, the contractor will be given a

“neutral rating” if PPIRS is not available for Contractor.

7. Ref: CLIN 0005 – Mowing, Edging, and Trimming; Can the Government provide total linear footage of the fence line? Can the Government clarify the total square footage to be mowed under this CLIN is 34,500?

Government Response: Refer to Attachment G. Use your best judgement when considering cost, that’s why the government provided an official site visit for your opportunity to view all work requirements.

8. Ref: CLIN 0001 – Fertilizer, Pesticide, and Fungicide; Can the Government provide total acreage for each treatment? How many applications are required for each treatment?

Government Response: Refer to Attachment E. Use your best judgement when considering work requirements.

9. Ref: CLIN 0004 – Irrigation; Can the Government provide total acres, zones, heads, and controllers, are included in the irrigation system? In what condition is the irrigation system currently? Are there any pending repairs?

Government Response: As-Builts located on-site at the maintenance building. Use your best judgement when considering cost, that’s why the government provided an official site visit for your opportunity to view all work requirements.

10. Ref: CLIN 0003 – Trimming and edging; Can the Government provide total linear footage to be edged and total square footage or acreage to be trimmed under this CLIN?

Government Response: Use your best judgement when considering cost, that’s why the government provided an official site visit for your opportunity to view all work requirements.

11. Ref: CLIN 0006 – Shrub and Tree Maintenance; Can the Government provide size, species, and total count of shrubs to be maintained? Can the Government provide size and species of trees?

Government Response: There are several sizes of trees and shrubs on site. There are several species on site. Use your best judgement when considering cost, that’s why the government provided an official site visit for your opportunity to view all work requirements.

12. Ref: CLIN 0007 – Snow and Ice Removal; Can the Government provide total square footage of sidewalks, roads, committal shelters, and columbarium areas to be serviced for snow and ice removal?

13. REF: CLIN 0009 – Janitorial Services; Can the Government provide total square footage of maintenance buildings? How many restrooms are to be maintained? How many toilets and urinals are to be cleaned?

Government Response: There are (7) restrooms. (9) Toilets and (4) Urinals. Use your best

14. Ref: CLIN 0018 – Reflection Pool Maintenance; Can the Government provide the volume and depth of the refection pool?

15. Ref: CLIN 0019 – Floating Pond Fountains; Can the Government provide total count and sizes of all fountains to be maintained?

Government Response: There are (2). Use your best judgement when considering cost, that’s why the government provided an official site visit for your opportunity to view all

16. Ref: Attachment P – Sewer Lift Station Pad; Per the General Requirement located within

Attachment P there is a Sewer Lift Station included in the pressure washing requirement.

However, I do not see a CLIN to which this area is assigned. Under which CLIN would the

Government prefer it is priced?

Government Response: CLIN 24

17. Ref: CLIN 0031 – Trash Removal and Debris Pickup; Can the Government provide total acreage for trash pickup services? How many trash containers are required to be emptied?

How many vase containers are to be filled?

Government Response: Approximately 32 acres including Ethal and Lannie Rd. Throughout the cemetery grounds there are (6) Trash containers and (5) Vase Containers. Use your best

18. Ref: CLIN 0035 – Leaf Collection; Can the Government provide total acreage required for leaf removal services?

Government Response: Approximately 29 Acres. Use your best judgement when considering cost, that’s why the government provided an official site visit for your opportunity to view all work requirements.

19. Ref: CLINs 0020-0023 – Maintenance of Buffer Zones; Can the Government provide total tree and shrub count/size/species? What is the total linear footage of metal edging?

20. Ref: CLINs 0020-0023 – Maintenance of Buffer Zones; The pond buffer zones are extremely overgrown. Will the government consider adding in a one-time clean-up CLIN or how long will the contractor be afforded to get these areas back into contract standard.

Government Response: Within (2) months. Use your best judgement when considering cost,

21. Ref: CLIN 0036 – Placement/Removal of Avenue of Flags and Tent; Can the Government clarify the requirement for this CLIN? Per Attachment T, the contractor is responsible for 42 flagpoles and flags. Is the contractor also responsible for placing flags on each headstone during each event? If so, can the Government provide total count of flags to be placed?

Government Response: Refer to Attachment T. Contractor not responsible for placing or removing gravesite flags.

22. Ref: CLIN 2031; Can the Government clarify, trash removal CLIN lists 17,900 each as quantity? Is this correct?

23. Ref: CLIN 3032; Can the Government clarify, sweeping of all roads CLIN lists 18,850 each as the quantity? Is this correct?

24. Ref: CLIN 4034; Can the Government clarify, mowing of field areas CLIN lists 19,800 each as the quantity? Is this correct?

25. Ref: Contractor Storage; It was mentioned at the site visit that the contractor will be given storage and building space (approximately 2/3) of the maintenance building however this is not in the PWS. Can the government please confirm that the contractor will be afforded use of this building for the life of the contract?

Government Response: The government will not furnish a storage building at the cemetery site for use by the contractor to store supplies and equipment. Use your best judgement when considering cost, that’s why the government provided an official site visit for your opportunity to view all work requirements.

26. Ref: Gravesite sodding; It was mentioned at the site visit that the contractor can utilize sod from adjacent new internment areas to complete 1st internment sodding and that any time new sod is purchased, the government will provide this. Can the government please confirm?

Government Response: In the first interment areas sod will be moved from the back to front as burials occur. Once that interment section is completed and sod is needed the government will provide and contractor will place. Once the turf is placed the turf maintenance is the responsibility of the contractor and if the turf does not establish and dies then the contractor is responsible for replacement sod.

27. Ref: Snow and Ice Removal; It does not appear the need for this service exists in

Jacksonville, Florida. The average annual snowfall in Jacksonville, Florida is 0.

Government Response: We have had ice. Use your best judgement when considering cost,

28. Ref: Gravesites; What is the cemetery section acreage by each gravesite size?

Government Response: Preplaced crypts are 3’x8’, Traditional Sites are 6’x8’ and Inground cremation sites are 4’x4’. Use your best judgement when considering cost, that’s why the

29. What type of access will the contractor have to the gated contractor storage area? Will the contractor have to rely on the VA for daily access?

Government Response: Contractor will be issued keys to the gate by the government.

30. Will the contractor have access to facilities for breaks, lunches, indoor meetings?

Government Response: No

31. Will the contractor have access/permissions to install power for contractor use?

Government Response: Yes

32. With multiple Committal Shelters, what are chances of two ceremonies at the same time requiring the contractor to transport two caskets at a time?

Government Response: Does occur depending on internment schedule. Use your best for your opportunity to view all work requirements

33. With approx. 5 interments expected a day, how will we be able to access the interment shelter to move the caskets, flowers, etc?

Government Response: Once the Cemetery Representative calls the current service completed contractor will have access to setup for next service.

34. Will we be able to continue maintenance operations while the services are being performed?

Government Response: Yes, if they do not interfere with any service that is being conducted.

35. Where are water bibs if any throughout the cemetery? Can a map of the bib locations be provided for pricing?

Government Response: As-builts are on-site and located at the maintenance building.

36. Are there landscape plans that show locations of trees, flowerbeds, etc that can be provided?

Government Response: As-builts are on-site located at the maintenance building.

37. What brand and model of controllers are used in the irrigation system?

Government Response: Hunter. Use your best judgement when considering cost, that’s why the government provided an official site visit for your opportunity to view all work requirements.

38. Will remote controllers be provided for the irrigation system to enable system checks in the field?

Government Response: No. Not installed

39. Can the Government tell us how many sprinkler heads are currently installed on the Sprinkler system?

40. Is the contractor responsible for the crushed limestone for the headstone settings?

Government Response: Contractor is responsible for suitable material for setting headstones.

41. (Attachment I – Page 3(m)) what is the irrigation water source (wells = more filter changes?)?

Government Response: Main irrigation pumps pull from ponds. Backup is well system. Use your best judgement when considering cost, that’s why the government provided an official site visit for your opportunity to view all work requirements.

42. Can you provide As-Builts for the irrigation system that show numbers and locations of heads, valves, solenoids, etc for pricing?

Government Response: As-Builts are located on-site at the maintenance building.

43. (Attachment I – Page 3(n)), are there really winterization services required?

Government Response: depends on weather. Use your best judgement when considering

44. What brand/model are the pumps, controllers, etc for the irrigation system?

45. Is the contractor responsible for the crushed limestone for the headstone settings? Is there on-site storage?

Government Response: Contractor is responsible for suitable material for setting headstones.

There is on-site storage area.

46. (Attachment I – Page 4). Headstone Cleaning: Should tire and hose markings be removed at the time of marking?

Government Response: Anytime any mark is left on a headstone during maintenance it will be required to be cleaned by close of business.

47. (Attachment I – Page 5) How are headstones received? Palletized (i.e. do we need a forklift?)? If yes, how many times a month? Is there a headstone bull pen?

Government Response: Palletized. Any equipment requirements will be determined by contractor. Storage area on-site.

48. (Attachment I – Page 7) Turf Maintenance: What kind of turf is it?

Government Response: Empire Zoysia

49. (Attachment I – Page 7) Historical use of Lime?

Government Response: Lime use will be based on current soil test results.

50. (Attachment I – Page 7) Aeration (slit or plug?) and dethatch in spring?

Government Response: Refer to Attachment E

51. If the contractor provided sod plans are rejected and the contractor is required to significantly adjust. Can a mod be done to cover the cost differences?

Government Response: The contractor is required to turn in a Turf Maintenance Plan to the

District Agronomist for approval. Refer to Attachment E. Modification will be discussed with Contracting Officer if required.

52. (Attachment I – Page 10), I sod by end of day seems to contradict Page 9(d) sod 2 days after row filled and headstones set? Can you please clarify?

Government Response: First part, sod by end of day relates to subsequent burials that occurred that day where sod was removed. Second part, sod two days after row of headstones set refers to first interment areas where there is no sod.

53. (Attachment I – Page 11) String trimmers will have anti-scalping devices on always. Anti-scalping or operator guard?

Government Response: Devices must be safe to use for the operators but must have device to prevent scalping.

54. (Attachment I – Page 12) The non-turf open fields in front of the maintenance facility around to columbarium’s and area on back side of pond 4 shall be mowed monthly or as directed by the COR/Alternate COR. CLIN 10 times.?

Government Response: Once a month for ten months during growing season or as directed depending on growth.

55. The Turf areas not mowed by the “Grounds Contractor” that is currently maintained by the installing contractor. How long will that area be covered by the installing contractor?

Government Response: Unknown.

56. Once the Rock Pathways are ordered to be removed who is responsible for removing, reconditioning, re-sodding, hand-watering, and mowing those areas? And for how long after removal?

Government Response: Government responsible for removal, reconditioning and re-sodding.

Once re-sodded the contractor will be responsible for watering and maintenance.

57. (Attachment I – Page 12) What is the desired grass height on mowing?

Government Response: 1 ½ to 2 inches

58. (Attachment I – Page 14) Leaf, nut, twig removal from cemetery (daily)?

Government Response: Yes.

59. (Attachment I – Page 17(g)) watering of trees & shrubs. Is this done by hand and if so how often? How many trees and shrubs?

Government Response: Irrigation. Use your best judgement when considering cost, that’s why the government provided an official site visit for your opportunity to view all work

60. (Attachment I – Page 17(e)) What type of Mulch and how much mulch has historically been purchased by the VA?

Government Response: Red Mulch. Use your best judgement when considering cost, that’s why the government provided an official site visit for your opportunity to view all work

61. (Attachment I – Page 23) How many trashcans are around the cemetery?

Government Response: 6 not including trashcans inside of buildings.

62. (Attachment I – Page 23) How many flowers are around the sections?

Government Response: That number cannot be determined. Depends on how many visitors.

Use your best judgement when considering cost, that’s why the government provided an official site visit for your opportunity to view all work requirements.

63. (Attachment I – Page 26) Janitorial SqFT? # of restrooms & fixtures?

Government Response: There are (7) restrooms. (9) Toilets and (4) Urinals. Use your best

64. How many Sqft of carpet and tile?

65. (Attachment I – Page 28) Transport from van to gravesite? Can this be done via vehicle or will this require the casket to be hand carried?

Government Response: Refer to Attachment O. Requires an approved enclosed NCA casket carrier. Caskets will not be hand carried from the approved casket carrier to the internment site. Casket must be transported to the interment site in the approved casket carrier.

66. (Attachment I – Page 34) Describe the tent to be put up?

Government Response: It is a pole tent. Can be configured anywhere from 20’x40’ up to

40’x120’ depending on needs of ceremony. Has center poles and poles around outside edges.

67. Could you please provide a map with contours of the pond(s)? If not, can you describe the shape, depth and if there is an outfall? Will 360-degree access for a mule/gator be possible?

Government Response: As-Builts are located on-site at the maintenance building. Use your best judgement when considering cost, that’s why the government provided an official site visit for your opportunity to view all work requirements.

68. Please provide a list of the aerators, fountain lines and equipment including brand, model, numbers of aerators per pond, etc. If brand and model number are not available, we would like to know if it is a rotary vein or piston pump and horse power, voltage, number of diffusers and type of diffuser? Is it a shoreline or floating system? If you have as-builts, they would help greatly.

Government Response: As-Builts are located on-site at the maintenance building. Use your best judgement when considering cost, that’s why the government provided an official site visit for your opportunity to view all work requirements.