36C78619Q0155-0001000.pdf

FedBizOpps Amendment to a Previous Combined Solicitation

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* = Required Field FedBizOpps Amendment to a Previous Combined Solicitation Rev. March 2010

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RFQ No. 36C78619Q0155, Tree Removal and Stump Grinding Services at the Baltimore National Cemetery

22556

36C78619Q0155

04-05-2019

N

561730

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Contracting Services 5000 Wissahickon Ave Philadelphia, PA 19144

David Dilks david.dilks@va.gov

Baltimore National Cemetery 5501 Frederick Ave.

Baltimore, MD

21228

USA

www.va.gov

Department of Veterans Affairs david.dilks@va.gov

Contract Specialist

See attached document: Attachment A, WD 15-4265.

See attached document: Attachment B, Past Performance Questionnaire.

Description:

This amendment is issued to amend RFQ No. 36C78619Q0155 due to a change in the tree list in paragraph (vi), to update clauses, and to provide updated instructions on the submission of quotes.

Quoters should review the RFQ for changes and re-submit their quote. Revised instructions on the submission of quotes is provided in paragraph (viii).

Firms are also reminded that this RFQ is 100% set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) firms and firms must be registered in Vendor Information Pages database (see Clause VAAR 852.219-10) to be considered. Quotes from firms that are not verified service-disabled Veteran-owned small business concerns shall not be considered.

(i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

Quoters are responsible for obtaining all amendments or additional information concerning this announcement at www.fbo.gov.

Important: This is a request for quote and quotations furnished are not offers. This request does not commit the Government to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of the submission of a quote or to contract for supplies or service.

QUOTERS SHOULD READ PARAGRAPH (viii) TO ENSURE THEY ARE SUBMITTING THE

REQUIRED ITEMS FOR THEIR QUOTES TO BE CONSIDERED.

(ii) The solicitation number is 36C78619Q0155. This solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ) and will be solicited using the procedures under FAR Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items and FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures.

(iii) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2019-01 01/22/2019.

(iv) This solicitation is 100% set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business firms. The relevant NAICS code is 561730, Landscaping Services. The small business size standard is $7,500,000.

(v) Line Items

The Contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to provide tree pruning, removal and stump grinding services at the Baltimore National Cemetery. Performance includes pruning and or removal of individual trees located on the cemetery grounds, grinding of tree stumps and removal of all associated debris.

CLIN DESCRIPTION QTY UNIT UNIT COST TOTAL COST

Contractor will furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, tools, materials and supplies necessary to remove trees as indicated in the SOW and all associated debris, grind stumps, remove all stump grindings, backfill stump cavity with clean topsoil, tamp topsoil, level / rake topsoil and over seed at the Baltimore National Cemetery. Individual locations for pruning / removal of trees are noted below in the

SOW.

1 Job $ ________ $ ____________ http://www.fbo.gov/

GRAND TOTAL COST: $ ____________

(vi) Description of Requirement:

SCOPE: The Contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, transportation, equipment, supplies, materials, professional guidance & advice for and incident to the provision of Tree Removal and Stump Grinding Services at the Baltimore National Cemetery. The primary emphasis for the completion of this work is to remove several trees from section P of the cemetery which contains an overabundance of large shade trees. Please note that several of these trees are very large with some of them located along a fence line. Section P where these trees are located is hilly with the overall terrain consisting of an extensive amount of surface roots as well as rocks.

A.1 NCA MISSION

The National Cemetery Administration honors veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our Nation. National cemeteries are National Shrines. The standards of maintenance, appearance and operational procedures performed by the Contractor at these cemeteries shall reflect this nation’s concern for those interred there. For this reason, the Contractor’s strict adherence to the specifications shall be required and shall be essential.

Every action by contractor personnel at a national cemetery must be performed with the special care, reverence, dignity, and respect that acknowledge the cemetery as the final resting place that commemorates the service and sacrifice that service members, Veterans and their families made for our Nation. Critically important is the awareness required of the Contractor employees of the remains buried in the grounds where the work is performed. The utmost care must be given to these remains and the headstones and flat grave markers that mark those gravesites and memorialize the service of individuals.

A.2 CONTRACT DEFINITIONS / ACRONYMS

(a) Normal Business Hours / Days: Normal cemetery business hours / days of operation are 8:00AM to 4:30PM, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal Holidays.

(b) After Normal Business Hours / Days: After normal business hours / days of operation are 4:31PM through and 7:59AM, Monday through Friday (EST).

(c) Cemetery Director: Administrator/Management Official. The Cemetery Director is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of a national cemetery, including burying veterans and their eligible family members, and maintaining the grounds as a national shrine.

(d) Certified Arborist: An expert in the cultivation and care of trees.

(e) Contracting Officer (CO): VA official with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings, and is a member of the evaluation team.

(f) Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): VA official responsible for providing contract oversight and technical guidance to the Contracting Officer. COR Responsibilities include certification of invoices, placing orders for service, providing technical guidance, overseeing technical aspects of the contract, and is a member of the Contractor evaluation team. All administrative functions remain with the Contracting Officer.

(g) Contractor: The term “Contractor” as used herein refers to both the prime Contractor and his employees, and any subcontractors and their employees. The Contractor shall be responsible for assuring that his subcontractors comply with the provisions of this contract.

A.3 CEMETERY LOCATION

• Baltimore National Cemetery, 5501 Frederick Ave. Baltimore, MD. 21228

A.4 GENERAL TREE PRUNING & REMOVAL REQUIREMENTS

A.4.1 Baltimore National Cemetery Tree Pruning / Removal Inventory: The cemetery which is in the southwest section of Baltimore was established as a national cemetery in 1936. There are a total of 36,620 gravesites maintained over 72 acres. The following locations throughout the cemetery contains several trees that are either dead or in serious decline and need to be removed.

The Contractor will remove all identified trees in accordance with all terms, conditions, specifications and requirements provided herein:

SECTION /

LOCATION

NEAREST

HEADSTONE TREE TYPE WORK TO BE PERFORMED

P Adjacent to headstone P3074 Four Trees Removal

P P3022 Tulip Removal

P P2623 Tulip & Beech Removal

P P3224 Two Beech Removal

P P3311 Beech Removal

P P3321 ? Removal

P P1943 Beech Removal

P P216 Beech Removal

P P657 ? Removal

P P835 ? Removal

P In front of P1098 ? Removal

P P1388 Beech Removal

P P1453 Beech Removal

P P3173 ? Removal

A.4.2 CERTIFIED ARBORIST / SITE MANAGER & TREE CREW

A “Certified Arborist” shall serve as the “site manager” for this contract and will be provided by the Contractor for not less than eight (8) hours a day whenever work is being performed – other than trash and debris pick-up. The Certified Arborist must have not less than three (3) years’ experience as a direct supervisor of a commercial tree maintenance operation that included tree removal, pruning, and stump removal in industrial, commercial or public sites and must be certified by International Society of Arboriculture. The Certified Arborist will ensure all pruning specifications are performed according to ANSI A300 standards for tree pruning, insure contract work does not conflict with ceremonies and funerals, and insure employees are adequately supervised and proper conduct is maintained. ISA certification document must be provided by the Contractor when bidding on the contract.

SITE MANAGER

(a) Responsible for overall management of all on site activities related to the contract

(b) Instructs and assigns crew duties to foreman, tree trimmers and grounds men

(c) Manages work schedule with the COR to ensure that all activities are performed in a non-intrusive manner with limited disruption to cemetery operations

(d) Supervises and assists in pruning, tree removal, operation of boom trucks, loaders, stump grinders, brush chippers, tractors, chainsaws and trucks

(e) Defines the staging area and safe zones by placing proper barriers and signage in visible locations throughout the defined areas of work

FOREMAN

(a) Must have a thorough knowledge of principles and practices of tree pruning & removal along with a good knowledge of all safety precautions that are associated with this type of work

(b) Must be proficient in the use of equipment of the trade, including power saws & brush chippers

(c) Must have the ability to safely climb trees and work in high places along with the ability to plan, and supervise the work of others

TREE CLIMBER

(a) Perform all required ground, climbing, and aerial lift duties as directed by the Foreman.

(b) Assist in the performance of specialized pruning and removal operations

(c) Safely operate all necessary equipment (chainsaw, chipper, trucks, hand tools)

(d) Demonstrate and perform proper climbing and removal techniques and procedures, pruning skills, and application of approved climbing knots.

GROUNDSMAN

(a) Must be able to lift heavy tree branches and have the dexterity for manipulating / moving heavy tools

(b) Must be able to operate chainsaws, brush chippers, stump grinders, trucks and other equipment necessary to perform tree pruning and removal services.

A.4.3 PERFORMANCE

The Contractor shall complete all pruning / removal services within a period of forty-five (45) working days from start to finish (without exception). All services described in the Work Statement, including technical specifications, schedules, addenda, clauses, terms and conditions of the contract shall form the complete scope of work.

A.4.4 TREE PRUNING, REMOVAL / STUMP GRINDING

(a) Pruning and removal of all trees shall be accomplished under the direction and guidance of an ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Certified Arborist provided by the Contractor. All pruning will be performed according to the ‘Tree Pruning Guidelines’ developed by the ISA and the ‘Tree Maintenance and Safety Standards ‘(ANSI Z133.1 & ANSI A300) developed by the American National Standards Institute.

These standards are the accepted standards of the tree care industry.

(b) Pruning will consist of crown cleaning /deadwood pruning which includes the removal of all dead, dying, diseased or broken branches 1/2” in diameter or larger throughout the tree. Pruning will also include the removal of crossing / rubbing, weak branches that may compromise the structural integrity of the tree.

(c) All portions of the trunk and any tree limbs or branches over 3 ½ inches in diameter must be lowered to the ground by crane or ropes and may not be dropped. Any headstones that may have to be removed in order to obtain access to a particular tree must be correctly replaced by the Contractor after the tree removal has been completed. At no time may the contractor drop any branches onto cemetery headstones or turf. To insure protection of headstones that are in close proximity to trees being pruned or removed, the Contractor will use covers to place over the headstones while the work is being performed. The Contractor will be responsible for any damage to the turf, roads or headstones caused by dropping parts of the tree.

(d) All wood chip particles and debris from the tree removal shall be cleaned up thoroughly and removed from the cemetery daily. The Contractor shall take every precaution to prevent any falling branches or trees from damaging any headstones, adjacent plant material or cemetery structures.

(e) All stumps shall be removed using stump-grinding equipment with the stump grinder making repeated passes over the stump. Stumps and all surface roots (where possible) shall be ground to at least 4” below the soil surface and all stump/root grindings shall be removed. There are extensive surface roots in several of the areas where the trees to be removed are located. The stump cavity shall be filled with clean topsoil, compacted and graded, and then seeded with a blend of Turf Type Tall Fescue grass seed. All wood chips and debris from stump removal shall be taken offsite the same day of the work and shall be properly disposed of.

(f) The Contractor shall be responsible for repair and or replacement to any damaged turf, headstones or other property.

(d) The Contractor is responsible to ensure that all pruning cuts shall be made just outside the collar or shoulder ring (branch bark ridge/swollen trunk collar) close to parent stem so that healing can readily start under normal conditions.

(e) The Contractor is responsible to ensure that when reducing the tree height and spread, he/she shall retain the natural shape of the tree by removing the entire lateral branches back to their point of origin.

(f) The Contractor is responsible to ensure that all limbs one inch in diameter or over must be undercut to prevent tearing of the bark. All branches 3 1/2" in diameter or larger shall be lowered to the ground using proper lowering devices such as ropes.

(g) The Contractor is responsible to ensure that all trees shall be pruned to retain the tree’s natural crown characteristics and growth patterns.

(h) The Contractor is responsible to ensure that all trees shall have branches removed to permit the sufficient penetration of sunlight and circulation of air through the canopy in conjunction to the aesthetic appearance, natural crown characteristics and growth patterns of the tree. This process is also known as thinning.

(i) The Contractor is responsible to ensure care when removing living and/or dead crossing or rubbing branches, where practicable, so the removal will not leave large holes in the canopy of the tree natural crown characteristics and growth patterns of the tree.

(j) The Contractor is responsible to ensure that, when pruning trees known to be diseased or susceptible to diseases, tools are disinfected with alcohol after each cut and between trees, where there is known to be danger of transmitting the disease on the tools.

(k) The Contractor is responsible for reporting to the COR all of the following conditions:

when old scars are not healing properly; where callus growth is not already established; visible girdling roots, and when there are any structural weaknesses;

decayed trunk or branches; and split crotches, or branch exists.

(l) The following methods of pruning are NOT acceptable therefore, the contractor is responsible to ensure that these methods are never performed: topping, stubbing, de-horning, and pollarding. Equipment that may damage the tree bark or cambium layer should not be used on or in the tree. Unless removing the tree altogether, the Contractor is not permitted to use climbing spikes or spurs to climb any live tree scheduled for pruning.

(m) The Contractor is responsible to ensure that in lifting the bottom branches of the trees for under clearance, care shall be given to symmetrical appearance, aesthetic appearance, natural crown characteristics and growth patterns of the trees.

(n) In general, the Contractor shall ensure when reducing the size of a tree and with respect to retaining the tree’s natural crown characteristics and patterns, not more than 1/4 of the total area shall be reduced at a single operation.

A.4.5 UTILITY LINES COMPLIANCE: Where pruning, stump grinding, or tree removal conflicts with existing utility service lines (above or below ground), cemetery personnel and the appropriate utility company shall be notified by the Contractor. The Contractor shall obtain all necessary permits and cooperate with the utility company to avoid any damage or liability.

A.4.6 SAFETY: All equipment to be used and work to be performed will be in full compliance with the most current revision of the American National Standards Institute Z-133.1-2000 and A300-1995. These guidelines provide safety standards for workers engaged in pruning, repairing, maintaining or removing trees. Tree care personnel will be sure not to position equipment that blocks any roads or walkways unless prior arrangements have been made with the COR. Tree care personnel will also make sure to provide adequate barricades, flag person, signs and or warning devices during the performance of tree work.

A.4.7 DEBRIS & WASTE REMOVAL: Removal of debris and waste away from the cemetery grounds shall be the responsibility of the Contractor. At the end of each day, the Contractor will remove all tree limbs, dead branches, bush / shrub / hedge clippings and other debris from the cemetery site resulting from the work. The Contractor shall ensure at all times that debris and waste generated by the Contractor is kept clear of vehicular and pedestrian traffic throughout the site. NOTE: The Government will not provide receptacle(s) for disposal of debris related to this contract.

A.4.8 COMMUNICATION & COORDINATION OF WORK WITH COR: Contractor shall participate in regular meetings with Government personnel and other Contractors at the cemetery to coordinate contract work schedules and contract related issues. Communication with the COR is strongly encouraged.

A.4.9 Notwithstanding the Contractors responsibility for total management during the performance of this contract, the administration of the contract will require maximum coordination between the Government and the Contractor. The Government shall provide, at the time of contract award, a list of Government personnel authorized to act as Contracting Officer’s Representatives.

A.4.10 Meetings:

(a) Unless otherwise agreed, the Contractor shall meet with the COR / Grounds Foreman at the end of each day to determine the work accomplished and to coordinate the following day’s schedule. Daily meetings are also an opportunity for the Contractor to communicate, ask questions and ensure he/she understands the off-limit areas, which may vary, depending on the event.

(b) The Site Manager shall coordinate with the COR a work schedule to ensure that no work is being performed at the site of a scheduled interment or ceremony. Work will be assigned throughout the Cemetery Complex so that productive use of labor and equipment is assured, and downtime is avoided.

(c) If the Contractor fails to re-direct employees away from an event in a timely fashion, the COR may then do so. In addition to meeting with the COR, the Contractor may be required to attend meeting(s) with other Government personnel.

A.4.11 Work Environment:

(a) All work under this service contract will be performed primarily outdoors and personnel performing the services will be exposed to wind, sun, cold, dampness, frost, fog and rain. These conditions, may, at times, be extreme and dangerous.

(b) The Contractor shall take all necessary precautions to protect its employees from the elements to the maximum practicable extent.

(c) In the event climate or weather conditions become unsuitable for work, the work shall resume as soon as conditions permit.

A.5 RESPONSIBILITIES

All contract administration matters will be handled by the Government Contracting Officer. The Contracting Officer's Representative for the contract will be designated in a separate letter to the Director, Baltimore National Cemetery Complex, and/or his/her designee.

A.5.1 STANDARDS OF EMPLOYEE CONDUCT

Contractor and contractor personnel shall be required to adhere to the following standards of dress and conduct while performing work in the Baltimore National Cemetery. These standards and regulations are enforceable under Title 38, U.S.C. Section 218.

(a) Shall be fully clothed at all times, to include long slacks or pants and shirt, buttoned up from neck to waist. Clothing shall be clean each day. Any soiled clothing should be cemetery work-related that day. T-shirts and/or tank tops as outer garments are prohibited. Shoes/boots will have no holes or loose soles. Steel-toed shoes will be required in accordance with OSHA. Contractor employees will maintain personal hygiene.

(b) Shall not engage in loud or boisterous behavior or use profane or abusive language.

Will show proper reverence during committal service.

(c) Shall not eat or drink beverages except water or non-alcoholic drinks while in the work area or in site of committal shelter during a service. Use of intoxicating beverages and/or drugs is strictly prohibited.

(d) Contractor personnel shall not lean, sit or stand on or against headstones or monuments. No tools, equipment or other items will be placed or leaned on headstones or monuments.

(e) SMOKING is not permitted in any buildings within the Baltimore National Cemetery Complex. This restriction includes offices, restrooms, stairwells, entrances, exits or any other public area.

A.5.2 USE OF CEMETERY FACILITIES

(a) The Government shall not be responsible for any loss, damage, or theft of contractor items, nor shall free telephone service be provided. Contractor shall be responsible for acceptable standards of housekeeping and custodial maintenance of Department of Veterans Affair’s facilities used by contractor's employees.

(b) Contractor employees may park privately owned vehicles in the area designated for parking by the Contracting Officer Representative.

(c) There are no available buildings or storage areas at the cemetery site for the Contractor to store supplies and/or equipment. All Contractor supplies, materials and equipment brought on site necessary for contract performance shall be removed from the premises at the end of each workday.

(d) The contractor will be responsible for safely handling any chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, cleaning solutions, etc. in accordance with manufacturers recommendations. An MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is required for all chemicals, pesticides, herbicides and cleaning solutions.

A.5.3 INSURANCE & EVIDENCE OF COVERAGE

(a) Prior to commencing work under this contract, the Contractor shall furnish to the Contracting Officer a “Certificate of Insurance” indicating the kinds and types coverage specified in this Section and as elsewhere provided in this contract.

(b) The insurance certificate shall also contain an endorsement to the effect that cancellation of any material change in the policies which adversely affect the interests of the Government in such insurance shall not be effective unless a 30-day advance written notice of cancellation or change is furnished to the Contracting Officer.

(c) Workmen's Compensation: The Contractor agrees to procure and maintain for the contract period, Workmen's Compensation and employers Public Liability Insurance in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland. The policy shall provide coverage for Public Liability limits of not less than statutory limitations if more than one person is involved.

(d) Liability & Indemnification: The Contractor shall take all necessary precautions to prevent damage to headstones, markers, monuments, flower vases and other cemetery structures during execution of this contract. The Contractor shall be charged current replacement costs for headstones or other property damaged because of actions by Contractor personnel.

(e) It is agreed and understood that there is no limitation on the Contractor’s liability. In no event shall the Government indemnify and hold harmless the Contractor from any and all damages, expenses or harm incurred by the Contractor, or from any and all damages, expenses, or claims, which may arise from third party claims.

(f) The Department of Veterans Affairs, shall indemnify and hold harmless the Contractor from and against any and all claims, demands, damages, liabilities or causes of action resulting from the negligent acts or omissions of the Department, its agents, and employees, acting within the scope of their Federal employment, arising from the performance of this contract.

(g) Contractors shall provide proof of insurance, licenses and permits required for contract performance at the time of receipt of notification of contract award.

A.5.4 CONTRACTOR'S RESPONSIBILITIES

(a) The Contractor shall obtain all necessary licenses and permits necessary to perform the work involved and will take all precautions necessary to protect persons and property from injury or damage during the performance of this contract. Contractor is responsible for any injury or damage during the performance of this contract including injury to himself/herself, his/her employees, or others.

(b) The Contractor shall be liable for any damage to personal or public property that occurs during the performance of this contract that is caused by him/her or his/her employees' fault or negligence. Contractors shall be responsible for replacement of any cemetery structure, to include: turf, curb, road pavement, headstone or marker, valve boxes, control markers, sprinkler heads, which is chipped, marred, .damaged and/or ruined at the fault of the Contractor shall bear all costs associated with replacement and reinstallation. Any such damage shall be brought to the immediate attention of the appointed "COR" prior to repair/replacement/installation. Contractor shall obtain guidance from contracting officer or their representative'/e on the use of heavy equipment that will be used to prune the trees throughout the cemetery.

(c) The Contractor shall be responsible for cleaning any cemetery structure that are soiled or stained as a result of contractor's performance. The Contractor shall wash-down with water all soiled or stained structures and grounds at the end of each workday. No chemicals are to be used at any time on Government property. The Contractor shall bear all costs associated with washing and cleaning. Any such washing/cleaning shall be brought to the immediate attention of the "COR" prior to washing/cleaning.

(d) The Contractor shall maintain personal liability and property damage insurance prescribed by the laws of the State of Maryland.

(e) The Contractor shall not operate trucks, tractors, and other heavy equipment on any turf or interment area except when authorized in writing by the COR(s).

(f) Due to the sensitive mission of the Cemetery, the work often requires contact with, and exposure to, grieving individuals. Contractor personnel must exercise and exhibit absolute decorum, composure and stability at all times.

(g) Adequate warning devices, barricades, guards, flagmen or other necessary precautions shall be provided by the Contractor for the protection, safety, and warnings all pedestrians and vehicular traffic within the area.

A.5.5 SUPERVISION & TRAINING

(a) The Contractor is responsible for maintaining satisfactory standards of personnel conduct and work performance and shall administer disciplinary action as required.

(b) The Contractor shall remove employees for cause, to include, but not limited to, misconduct in performance of duty under these specifications and/or conduct contrary to the best interests of the Government.

(c) The Contractor shall also be responsible for training and safety precautions for contractor employees performing work under these specifications. OSHA standards shall be observed by the Contractor in all work performed. Appropriate safety equipment shall be furnished by the Contractor to contractor personnel and shall be used as prescribed by OSHA standards, including hard hats, safety shoes, safety glasses, and hearing protection devices.

A.6 SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

A.6.1 REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CONTRACTING OFFICER

(a) The Contracting Officer reserves the right to designate representatives to act for him/her in furnishing technical guidance and advice or generally supervises the work to be performed under this contract. Such designation will be in writing and will define the scope and limitations of designee's authority. A copy of the designation(s) shall be furnished to the Contractor at time of award.

(b) The VA Contracting Officer will delegate one (or more) representatives to serve as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The COR may direct and arrange the Contractor’s work schedule in specific areas of the cemetery to coordinate with daily cemetery activities and operations. Duties and responsibilities of the COR include day-to-day monitoring of the contract as follows:

(i) Providing contract oversight and technical guidance to the Contractor.

(ii) Verification / certification of payments to the Contractor for services rendered.

(iii) Assuring that any changes effecting work involved, price, terms and/or conditions under the contract are not implemented before written authorization is issued by the Contracting Officer.

(c) All administrative functions remain with the VA Contracting Officer. Any modifications to the contract, including those involving no-cost changes, increases and decreases in cost or level of services provided, termination or extension of the contract (in part or in whole) and decisions concerning claims or disputes, must be authorized in writing by the Government Contracting Officer.

A.6.2 SITE MANAGER

(a) The Contractor shall provide a “Site Manager” who will be responsible for the following:

(i) Directing, overseeing and coordinating the work involved.

(ii) Staying abreast of all upcoming cemetery functions including special holiday events and burial activities.

(iii) Ensuring that contract work does not cause any committal service, ceremony, procession or visitation to be delayed, altered, or otherwise impacted in such a way that the dignity, security, or safety of the event or visit is compromised.

(b) To cause the least possible interference with cemetery activities, contract personnel will stop (cease) all work in areas where burials are taking place. As a general "rule-of-thumb", work should not take place within 1,000 feet of an ongoing committal service or ceremony. The Site Manager will re-direct work throughout the rest of the Cemetery – so that productive use of labor and equipment is assured, and downtime is avoided. If the Contractor fails to re-direct employees away from an event in a timely fashion, the COR may then do so.

(c) Communication & Coordination of Work with COR: Communication with the COR (or designee) is strongly encouraged. Burial activities at NCA shall take precedence over contract work activities. Work activity and noise cannot disturb Burial Services. Trucks and workmen are prohibited from passing through the service area during this period.

(d) Notwithstanding the Contractors responsibility for total management during the performance of this contract, the administration of the contract will require maximum coordination between the Government and the Contractor. The Government shall provide, at the time of contract award, a list of Government personnel authorized to act as Contracting Officer's Representatives.

A.6.3 FEDERAL HOLIDAYS

All work required under this contract will be done during normal business days and daylight hours.

Work is normally not conducted on Federal holidays. The following is a list of the Federal holidays:

January New Year's Day January Martin Luther King's Birthday February President's Day May Memorial Day July Fourth of July September Labor Day October Columbus Day November Veterans Day November Thanksgiving Day December Christmas Day

(vii) Date(s) and place(s) of delivery and acceptance and FOB point.

Place of Performance:

Baltimore National Cemetery, 5501 Frederick Ave. Baltimore, MD. 21228

Period of Performance:

All work shall be complete within a period of forty-five (45) working days from contract award.

(viii) Provision No. 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors – Commercial, with Addenda below, applies to this acquisition

Addendum to Provision No. 52.212-1

Provision No. 52.212-1 is replaced in its entirety by this addendum.

Note: Where the words “proposal” or “offer” appear in this solicitation, they shall mean “quote”. Where the terms “offeror” or “offerors” appear in this solicitation, they shall mean “quoter” or “quoters”.

INSTRUCTIONS TO QUOTERS

Quote Submission: Quotes will be accepted and considered for an award of a firm-fixed price contract.

Submitted quotes that do not meet the following instructions may be deemed nonresponsive.

Quotes shall be submitted through the eCMS Vendor Portal except as indicated below.

Quoter eCMS Vendor Portal Registration: All interested quoters must be registered with the Department of Veterans Affairs eCMS Vendor Portal at https://www.vendorportal.ecms.va.gov. Quoters who require registration shall proceed to the Vendor Portal’s Login section and shall click on Request a user account to register. In the event a quoter is unable to submit a quote through the vendor portal domain, prior to the quote due date, contact the VAAS helpdesk at 1-877-634-3739, or via email at VA.Acquisition.Systems@va.gov. If a quoter is still having difficulties in submitting a quote via the Vendor Portal the contracting officer may accept a quoter’s quote via email under the following circumstances:

1. Quoter must provide evidence that an email discussion or verbal discussion with the VAAS helpdesk could not resolve registration issues.

2. Quotes submitted must meet the time constraints as set forth in the solicitation.

3. Quotes submitted via email without set requirements will not be accepted and will be considered to be nonresponsive. All quote transmissions and uploads submitted via the Vendor Portal or via email are due as specified. Late or incomplete quotes may be considered if they are received before award and do not delay the Government.

Terms and content of your quote. Your quote must be based on the terms of this RFQ. We might reject any quote that is not based on these terms in every respect. Your quote must contain all of the information described below.

Small Business Status. To submit a quote, you must know whether your company is a small business. The small business size standard that applies to this purchase is stated in paragraph (iv) of this combined synopsis/solicitation along with the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code on which it is based. If this combined synopsis/solicitation is for the purchase of supply item(s), regardless of the information in paragraph (iv), the small business size standard is 500 employees if you are submitting your quote in your own name but intend to provide a product that you did not manufacture yourself.

Eligible quoters must be registered and verified in the System for Award Management (SAM) and Vetbiz prior to award in the following URLs: https://www.vetbiz.gov and https://www.sam.gov.portal/public/SAM. SDVOSBs must have CVE seal on registration.

Issuance of purchase order. Your quote should contain your best terms. The Contracting Officer may reject any or all quotes. After the evaluation of quotes, the Contracting Officer may negotiate final terms with one or more quoters of the Government’s choice before issuing a purchase order. The Contracting Officer will not negotiate with any quoters other than those of the Government’s choice and will not use the formal source selection procedures described in FAR Part 15.

https://www.vetbiz.gov/ https://www.sam.gov.portal/public/SAM

Quote Format and Submission Information:

Quotes must be submitted on company letterhead. Commercial format is encouraged. All quoters shall include the following information as part of their quote:

• Legal Business/Company Name (as listed in www.sam.gov)

• DUNS Number

• Point of Contact Name

• Telephone number

• Email Address

-Pricing shall be submitted using the Line Item Schedule in Paragraph (v) -Technical Package for Evaluation -Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment B)

Quote Contents:

-Pricing shall be submitted using the Line Item Schedule in Paragraph (v).

-Technical Package for Evaluation

The following shall be included as part of the quoter’s submission:

• Experience of company and subcontractors anticipated to perform work under this contract

• Managerial & Technical Qualifications of key personnel (ISA Certification Documentation must be included as well)

• A description of the service you will be providing that shows an understanding of the work required.

• Qualifications of any proposed sub-contractors and the percentage of work they will be performing.

-Past Performance:

Past performance shall be evaluated based on the quoter’s technical qualifications on projects within the last 5 years that are comparable in size, complexity, and scope. Past Performance information shall be obtained by the following methods.

1. The Contracting Officer’s knowledge of previous experience with the supply or service being acquired;

2. Customer past performance questionnaire replies

3. The Governmentwide Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS) at www.ppirs.gov or;

4. Any other reasonable basis.

Solicitation Provisions

The full text of FAR/VAAR provisions or clauses may be accessed electronically at https://acquisition.gov/comp/far/index.html https://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/

The following solicitation provisions apply to this acquisition:

VAAR 852.270-1 Representatives of Contracting Officers (Jan 2008) https://acquisition.gov/comp/far/index.html https://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/

FAR 52.204-7 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT (Oct 2018)

(ix) Evaluation Process:

Note: The Government will not use the formal source selection procedures described in FAR Part 15.

Instead the simplified evaluation procedures under FAR Part 13 will be used.

The Government intends to award a firm fixed price Purchase Order resulting from this solicitation to the responsible quoter whose quote conforms to the solicitation that provides the best benefit to the Government, price and other factors considered. Quotes will be evaluated by performing a comparative evaluation in accordance with FAR 13.106-2(b)(3) to determine which response represents the “best” as a whole.

Quotes will be evaluated by performing a direct comparison of one quote with another in a uniform manner to determine which quote provides the government with its needs, as identified in the RFQ. The government reserves the right to consider a response that offers more than the minimum and select that response if it provides a benefit to the government. The government has the discretion to accept other than the lowest priced quoter that provides additional benefits. The government also has the discretion to make an award based on whether the lowest priced of the quotations having the highest past performance rating possible represents the best benefit to the government.

The following factors shall be used to evaluate quotes:

1. Pricing: The sum of all the CLINs will represent the total evaluated price. The quoted price must be determined to be fair and reasonable in order to be eligible for award.

2. Technical Acceptability

a. Demonstrated experience performing this requirement

b. Demonstrated qualifications to perform services

c. Demonstrated understanding of the work required

c. Use of Sub-Contractors

3. Past Performance

4. SDVOSB Status verification in CVE

(x) Provision No. 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications -- Commercial Items (Oct 2018), applies to this solicitation. Quoters shall fill-in and provide paragraph (b) of the provision if they have completed the annual representations and certifications electronically in SAM (https://www/sam.gov). If the quoter has not completed the annual representations and certifications electronically, the Offeror shall complete only paragraphs (c) through (u) of Provision No. 52.212-3.

(xi) The following clauses apply to this acquisition:

The clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items (Oct 2018) applies to this acquisition.

Addendum to FAR clause 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Items (Oct 2018):

FAR 52.204-18, COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE MAINTENANCE (JUL 2016)

FAR 52.204-13, SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT MAINTENANCE (OCT 2018)

FAR 52.228-5, INSURANCE -- WORK ON A GOVERNMENT INSTALLATION (JAN 1997)

FAR 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Dec 2013) https://www/sam.gov

VAAR 852.203-70 Commercial Advertising (MAY 2018) VAAR 852.219-10 VA Notice of Total Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (Jul 2016)

(DEVIATION)

VAAR 852.219-74, Limitations on Subcontracting – Monitoring and Compliance (Jul 2018) VAAR 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payments Requests (Nov 2012) VAAR 852.237-70 Contractor Responsibilities (Apr 1984)

The clause at 52.212-5 “Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders” (Jan 2019) applies to this acquisition. The following subparagraphs of FAR 52.212-5 are applicable:

52.204–10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Oct 2018) (Pub. L.

109–282) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

52.209-6, Protecting the Government's Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (OCT 2015) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (Jul 2013) (15 U.S.C 632(a)(2)).

52.222-3, Convict Labor (June 2003) (E.O. 11755).

52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (APR 2015).

52.222–26, Equal Opportunity (SEP 2016) (E.O. 11246).

52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUL 2014) (29 U.S.C. 793).

52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (MAR 2015) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

52.223-18, Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (AUG 2011).

52.225-13, Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases (JUN 2008) (E.O.'s, proclamations, and statutes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury).

52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System for Award Management (Oct 2018) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

52.222-41, Service Contract Labor Standards (AUG 2018) (41 U.S.C. chapter 67).

52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (MAY 2014) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C.

chapter 67).

Employee Class

Monetary Wage – Fringe Benefits

Arborist $24.97 + $4.50 Tree Trimming and Removing Personnel $18.40+ $4.50

52.222-55, Minimum Wages Under Executive Order 13658 (DEC 2015).

52.222-62, Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (JAN 2017) (E.O. 13706).

End of Addenda

(xiii) Wage Determination No. WD 15-4265 (Rev.-7) is applicable to this requirement. The full text of the wage determination is found in Attachment A.

(xiv) Quotes are due by 4:30 PM on April 5, 2019.

(xv) The point of contact for this RFQ is David Dilks; email: david.dilks@va.gov; Tel: 215-381-3787 X4590.

End of Document

See attached document: 36C78619Q0155 Combined Synopsis-Solicitation.

mailto:david.dilks@va.gov