36C78620Q0340.docx

Contract Opportunity Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice

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* = Required Field Contract Opportunity Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice S208 FY21 New - North Atlantic District - BALTIMORE NATL CEMETERY

- ANC, LPNC,POINT LOOKOUT AND CONGRESSIONAL LOTS TURF

APPLICATIONS contract for FY-21 22172 36C78620Q0340 09-21-2020 16:00

EASTERN TIME, NEW YORK, USA

N

SDVOSBC

561730 Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Contracting Services 18434 Joplin Road Triangle VA 22172 Kenneth Randle

(703) 630-9356 Kenneth.Randle@va.gov 703-630-9356 Baltimore National Cemetery 5501 Frederick Avenue Washington DC, Baltimore, Ridge, & Annapolis MD Baltimore

MD

USA

https://www.va.gov Department of Veterans Affairs Kenneth.Randle@va.gov Contracting Specialist

RFQ FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

GENERAL INFORMATION

800 West Street Annapolis, MD 21401 / 3445 Frederick Avenue Baltimore, MD 21228 / 1801 E Street, SE. Washington, DC 20003 Point Lookout Ridge, MD 20680

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; offers are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This solicitation is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ), solicitation number 36C78620Q0340

This solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2020-7.

This is a 100% set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).

The applicable North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 561730, with a business size standard of 8 Million.

This notice shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to ultimately award a contract, nor does it restrict the Government to an acquisition approach.

The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, National Cemetery Administration anticipates the award of a Firm Fixed Priced Requirement Contract for Turf Fertilization and Herbicide Applications Services at Baltimore Annapolis, Loudon Park, Congressional, and Point Lookout Confederate National Cemeteries. And for Mowing, Trimming, Edging & Debris Removal Services at Point Lookout, and the Confederate National Cemeteries.

POST AWARD CONFERENCE: Date and time to be determined (TBD) after contract award.

SITE VISIT: Offerors or quoters are urged and expected to inspect all sites where services are to be performed and to satisfy themselves regarding all general and local conditions that may affect the cost of contract performance. In no event shall failure to inspect a one or all sites constitute grounds for a claim after contract award. If you plan to conduct a site visit / inspection at Baltimore and or Loudon Park National Cemetery, YOU MUST CONTACT one of the following cemetery personnel to make arrangements:

Eric Solomon, Cemetery Director……………………………………………… (410) 644-9696 Mike Lecza, Foreman……………………………………………………………(410) 644-9696 Facsimile #............................................................................................................(410) 644-1563

RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ): Quotes are due to the Contracting officer no later than 16:00 on 21 Sep 2020. Responses to this announcement will result in a Firm-Fixed Priced Requirement Contract. The Government intends to make award without discussions. All information submitted in response to this announcement is voluntary and the Government will not pay for information provided nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided for the Government. Offerors are responsible for obtaining any and all amendments or additional information concerning this announcement at beta.sam.gov.

SOLICITATION QUESTIONS:

Questions pertaining to this announcement must be sent by email to Kenneth.Randle@va.gov. by no later than close of business, 1 Sep 2020. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted.

PRICE SCHEDULE: Contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, tools, and materials necessary to provide Turf Fertilization and Herbicide Applications Services at Baltimore Annapolis, Loudon Park, Congressional, and Point Lookout Confederate National Cemeteries. And for Mowing, Trimming, Edging & Debris Removal Services at Point Lookout, and the Confederate National Cemeteries.

The schedule price shall be all-inclusive, including all labor, equipment, materials, and supplies to complete the Contract Line Items (CLINs). Offerors shall enter unit price and total amounts for each CLIN as indicated in the schedule. In the event there is a difference between a unit price and the extended total amount, the unit price will be held to be the intended bid price and the total of the CLINs will be recomputed accordingly.

Offerors are to understand the quantities stated in the schedule are estimates for pricing purposes only. The schedule price provide shall be all-inclusive, including all labor, equipment, materials, and supplies to complete the Contract Line Items (CLINs)

Offerors shall enter unit price and total amounts for eat CLIN as indicated in the schedule. IN the event there is a difference between a unit price and the extended total amount, the unit price will be the intended proposed price and the total of the CLINs will be recomputed accordingly.

PLEASE SEE BID SCHEDULE ATTACHED

SECTION - B

B.2 DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS / WORK STATEMENT

B.3 BACKGROUND

The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, honors Veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our nation. There are approximately 3 million gravesites at 131 National Cemeteries in 39 states and Puerto Rico that receive visitors, hold ceremonies and conduct committal services on an ongoing basis. Because of the special significance and attention our National Cemeteries receive from the public, strict adherence to the following specifications is essential.

Every action by contractor personnel at a national cemetery must be performed with the special care, reverence, dignity, and respect that acknowledges 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.

B.4 PLACE(S) OF PERFORMANCE

The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to provide turf fertilization, broadleaf / crabgrass weed control and mowing / trimming services to the following VA National Cemeteries:

Baltimore, MD 21228

Baltimore, MD 21228

Annapolis, MD 21401

Ridge, MD 20680

Washington, DC 20003 ½ Acre (800 individual Government plots) Mowing, Edging, Trimming & Debris Removal

B.5 TURF APPLICATION SCHEDULE

Contractor shall provide turf fertilization, pre-emergent crabgrass & post emergent broadleaf weed control services at the Baltimore, Loudon Park and Annapolis National Cemeteries in accordance with the following Application Schedule:

APPLICATION DATE

DESCRIPTION

NOTE – Baltimore National Cemetery will include dethatching, aeration, over seeding and granular lime applied in sections A, C, D, E, F, G, O-DSS and R only in base year and all option years. Aeration, Liming and over seeding for Loudon Park, Annapolis will occur every year and for Point Lookout National Cemeteries, aeration and over seeding will occur in base year, option year II and option year IV of the contract only.

Stipulation: VA National Cemetery anticipates ordering and the Contractor furnishing the quantities & types of services stated in the Price Schedule and Turf Application Schedule. The Government, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to modify turf application dates or increase/decrease estimated quantities based on unforeseen circumstances including changes in weather and/or turf conditions.

Any such changes effecting the scope or price shall require a written modification to the contract executed by the Government Contracting Officer. Except as this contract may otherwise provide, if the Government's requirements result in changes to the application schedule and/or estimated quantities stated in the contract, that fact shall not constitute the basis for an equitable price adjustment.

B.6 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

(a) Initial Pre-Emergent Crabgrass / Post Emergent Broadleaf Weed Application: Contractor shall apply a herbicide that is combined to control pre-emergent crabgrass and post emergent broadleaf weeds in liquid form at manufactures recommended rate allowable for cool season grasses. All herbicide must be applied with properly calibrated spraying equipment. The contractor shall begin the application after the soil temperature has reached 55 degrees for three consecutive days and it is the most opportune time for the application of crabgrass per emergent herbicides. This is the time that crabgrass seeds begin active germination in the soil. Any application that is completed before this time-period may not be as effective in overall crabgrass control. The dates for application listed in the application schedule are only an estimated time frame and could begin earlier or later depending upon the soil temperatures.

(b) Second (Split) Crabgrass Application: Contractor shall apply herbicide in liquid form to control early post emergent crabgrass (in early tiller stage) and pre-emergent crabgrass control at manufactures recommended rate allowable for cool season grasses. Pre-emergent herbicide must be applied with properly calibrated spraying equipment. This application shall occur between 6-8 weeks after initial crabgrass application.

(c) Broadleaf Weed Control: Broadleaf herbicides must be applied with properly calibrated spraying equipment. The herbicide must control various cool season turf broadleaf weed species such as clover, dandelions, plantain and prostrate spurge. Applications must be timely and at the proper dosage so that perennial weeds do not go to seed. Herbicide shall be applied to all turf acreage, in burial sections and including areas between and around all headstones and along section perimeters.

(d) Fertilization: Contractor shall apply a granular turf fertilizer, which is specified in the application schedule to all turf areas using a properly calibrated spreader/sprayer. The fertilizer shall have a guaranteed NPK analysis of 26-0-12 and consist of a minimum 50% slow release nitrogen from sulfur coated urea and contain 2% iron. Fertilizer shall be applied to all turf areas at the times and rates that are listed in the turf application schedule. All fertilizer applications will follow the Maryland Department of Agriculture guidelines relative to application time frames and restrictions on the use of phosphorous in fertilizer products.

(e) Beetle Grub Larvae Control: Contractor shall apply granular pesticide for the control of root chewing beetle grub larvae at manufacturers recommended label rate for cool season turf grass. Application will be made in late July-early August for optimum control of beetle grub larvae and preferably will occur within 48 hours of anticipated rainfall. This application will only be done in burial sections that have recently been renovated with new turfgrass which includes sections A, C, D, E, F, G, O-DSS and R.

(f) Dethatching, Aeration & Over Seeding: Contractor will use a commercial grade thatcher to remove buildup of dead turf grass on top of the soil surface leaving a half inch of thatch on the soil surface after completion (Baltimore National Cemetery only). Dead grass that is accumulated during the thatch removal process will be removed by the contractor. The turf acreage will then be core / plug aerated with aeration cores being left on the soil surface. Seed will be applied with a broadcast spreader and will consist of three regionally adapted cultivars of 100% Turf Type Tall Fescue grass seed applied at a rate of 10 lbs. / 1,000 sq. ft.

(g) Granular Lime: Granular lime will be applied at Baltimore National Cemetery in conjunction with application #6 and will be applied at a rate of 30 lbs. / 1,000 sq. ft. Lime will only be applied in the burial sections that have been recently renovated. These sections include A, C, D, E, F, G, O-DSS and R. For Annapolis & Loudon Park National Cemeteries, granular lime will be applied every year to the entire turf acreage at a rate of 50 lbs. / 1,000 sq. ft. in conjunction with application #6.

(h) All application methods of herbicides and treatments of annual grasses shall be in strict accordance with manufacturer, Department of Environmental Protection and all applicable federal, state and local laws.

(i) All applications must be made in accordance with manufactures label instructions to insure proper rate and timing of application. The contractor shall apply liquid broadleaf herbicide no earlier than 6 hours before anticipated rainfall to allow herbicide sufficient time to be absorbed into plant tissue to maximize the herbicide’s full potential. Any rainfall that is received within this six-hour time frame after the application shall require the contractor to treat all turf areas a second time at the contractor’s expense. Prior to any application, the Contractor shall provide to the COR, a copy of product label for each chemical used and appropriate supporting Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

(j) Contractor personnel applying herbicides shall possess a current / valid State of Maryland commercial pesticide/herbicide application license. The Contractor is responsible for any damage resulting from the application of any herbicide treatments.

(k) All turf applications shall be applied with appropriate calibrated spreading and spraying equipment. Liquid and pellet surface applications shall be uniformly distributed within the cemetery’s defined area of coverage. Surface applications shall not be made where surface run-off is likely to occur or near a water source.

(l) Appropriate flags or markers shall be posted in all treated areas for a period of 24 hours after a herbicide treatment has been applied. The Contractor shall remove all flags upon expiration of the 24-hour period.

(m) Each turf application shall be completed within each “Annual Application Date” (weather permitting) specified in the Schedule. All applications shall be applied in accordance with manufactures label instructions to ensure proper rate and timing. Fourteen (14) days after completion of the application, the Contractor and COR shall jointly inspect and assess results. In areas where results are less than acceptable*, the Contractor shall re-perform the application at no additional cost to the Government (*Acceptable is defined as 90% of actively growing broadleaf weeds and weed grasses are eliminated).

(n) The contractor shall not dispose of, rinse, mix nor store any herbicide containers/bags on cemetery premises except as authorized by cemetery management.

(o) No herbicide application equipment may be kept or stored on the cemetery premises when the contractor is not working.

B.7 MOWING, TRIMMING & DEBRIS REMOVAL REQUIREMENTS

(a) Mowing & Trimming: All turf on the grounds and within cemetery boundaries shall be cut at three (3) inches (7.62 cm) in height – unless otherwise specified by the COR. Rotary Mowers with rear discharge mulching decks shall be used for mowing, and string trimmers used for mowing around all headstones and other structures. The design of the mowing decks and speed of the mowing shall be such that scalping is avoided. Grass clipping are not permitted on roads, walks, plazas, beds, tree basins, headstones or other monuments, and must be removed immediately. All areas shall be mowed with sharpened blades so that grass leaves have a clean cut -- rather than torn appearance. Trimming shall be done within 24 hours of mowing for any given area. Trimming shall not extent to open areas normally mowed or to areas that are not outlining a headstone or other structure – unless otherwise approved by the COR.

(b) Frequency of Mowing & Trimming: Mowing shall be accomplished once every seven (7) days (weekly) beginning April 1st through November 30th. Trimming around headstones and/or flat markers shall be required in conjunction with each mowing unless otherwise specified. These frequencies are estimates. The Government anticipates turf growth shall be such that these mowing/trimming cycles shall be needed continuously through the months stated. However, during an unusual period of turf dormancy, the Government reserves the right to postpone the beginning of a new cycle – with two days’ notice from the COR to the Contractor. Alternatively, at the COR’s discretion, the COR may stipulate to the Contractor which burial sections or cemetery(s) may be bypassed in any particular cycle between April 1st and November 30th.

(c) Grass clippings are not permitted on roads, walks, plazas, beds, tree basins, headstones or other monuments and must be removed immediately. Windrows shall be immediately removed or dispersed throughout the mowing area. Flowers and temporary markers shall not be damaged. Baltimore and satellite cemeteries are National Shrines; thus, Contractor personnel appearance and conduct shall be professional and unobtrusive at all times. Questions from cemetery visitors shall be politely referred or directed to cemetery personnel.

(d) Edging: All walks, plazas, and roadway curbs adjoining a turf area shall be cleanly edged with power edgers (with blades) the first week of May and October. This also includes edging of all of the flat markers located in the Congressional Cemetery. This is in addition to the standard trim edging done throughout the year on turf extending over curbs, plazas, and walkways.

(e) Removal of Turf Clippings: Windrows shall be immediately removed or dispersed throughout the mowing area. Clippings in specialty areas may be collected in bag attachments to the mowers – when determined advantageous by the COR.

(f) Trash & Debris Removal: All trash and debris shall be removed from all areas at each mowing. These removals shall also include clearing all roads/walks with power leaf blower – as necessary to clean the street / walkways of small debris and leaves.

Note: Trash & Debris are defined as any item, material or foreign object not permanently attached to or planted within Cemetery grounds and boundaries. Items include, but are not limited to, fallen twigs and branches that are under ten (10) inches (25.40 cm) in diameter, paper products, cigarette butts, gum, glass and metal products, plastic and any other synthetic items, loose rock and stone over three (3) inches (7.62 cm) in diameter that are not the apparent result of an interment. Also included is the material found within the trash receptacles located throughout Cemetery grounds.

B.8 CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

B.7.1 SITE MANAGER

(a) The Contractor shall provide a “Site Manager” who shall 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.

(Note: To cause the least possible interference with cemetery activities, contract personnel shall 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 shall 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.)

(b) 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. Burial activities at NCA shall take precedence over contract work activities. Work activity and noise cannot disturb Burial Services. Trucks and workers are prohibited from passing through the service area during this period.

(c) Notwithstanding the Contractors responsibility for total management during the performance of this contract, the administration of the contract shall 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 Technical Representatives.

B.7.2 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 shall be in writing and shall define the scope and limitations of the designee's authority. A copy of the designation(s) shall be furnished to the Contractor at time of award.

(b) The VA Contracting Officer shall delegate one (or more) representatives to serve as the Contracting Officer’s Technical 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, but are not limited to, the following:

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

(ii) Acts as technical liaison between the National Cemetery and the Contractor and between the cemetery and the Contracting Officer. (Note: The COR may not modify the intent or the terms and conditions of the contract.)

(iii) Placing orders for services.

(iv) Determining whether contract deliverables meet functional, technical and performance specifications.

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

(vi) 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) VA Contracting Officer: 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.

B.7.3 FEDERAL HOLIDAYS

(a) All work required under this contract shall be performed during normal business days and daylight hours between 7:45 am and 4:15 pm, local time, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays. Deviations from the work schedule shall require prior written permission from the COR. The following is a list of the Federal holidays:

New Year's Day Martin Luther King's Birthday President's Day Memorial Day Fourth of July Labor Day Columbus Day Veterans Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day

B.9 RESPONSIBILITIES

(a) The Contractor shall be aware of the intensive labor and equipment requirements needed to meet contract specifications. Inclement weather - other than prolonged snow cover or unusual amounts of rain shall not be considered an excusable delay in meeting specifications. The government expects the Contractor to work throughout all weather conditions and to apply additional labor and equipment as necessary to meet deadlines.

(b) The Contractor shall be aware of performance requirements necessary to meet contract specifications and deadlines. If the Contractor's work force is unionized, the Contractor shall ensure the labor agreement has a “no-strike” provision to ensure Government contract requirements are met.

(c) Cooperation with other Contractors: The government may undertake or award other contracts for additional work at or near the site of work for this contract. The Contractor shall fully cooperate with other Contractors and with Government employees and shall carefully adapt scheduling and performance of work, adhering to any direction provided by the COR.

(d) More than one Contractor may have access to storage areas designated by the COR. The Government shall not be liable to the Contractor for costs associated with claims, damages, loss or replacement of equipment or personal property while on Cemetery property.

(e) The Contractor shall not operate trucks, tractors, or other heavy equipment on any turf area except as provided in this contract or as authorized by the COR. The Contractor shall be responsible for repairing turf damage caused by the Contractor during all weather conditions that is deemed excessive by the COR at no additional cost to the government.

(f) The Contractor shall provide adequate safety warning devices, barricades and cover boards, etc., at all work sites to eliminate hazards from public visitors and cemetery employees at no cost to the government.

(g) At the end of each day, the Contractor shall remove all debris from the cemetery site and store excess soil resulting from work to an area designated by the COR. At all times rubbish and trash generated by the Contractor shall be kept clear of vehicular and pedestrian traffic throughout the site. The government shall not provide receptacles for the disposal of debris related to this contract.

B.10 STANDARDS OF EMPLOYEE CONDUCT

Contractor and contractor personnel are 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. Contractor and Contractor Personnel --

(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 shall have no holes or loose soles. Steel-toed shoes shall be required in accordance with OSHA. Contractor employees shall maintain personal hygiene.

(b) Shall not engage in loud or boisterous behavior or use profane or abusive language and shall 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 shall be placed or leaned on headstones or monuments.

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

(f) It shall be the discretion of the COR to implement immediate removal of Contractor and/or Contractor personnel from cemetery grounds if these standards are not adhered to during the performance of the contract. Contractor shall administer disciplinary action immediately as required to Contractor employees.

B.11 SUPERVISION & TRAINING

(a) The Contractor shall be 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.

B.12 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) The Government shall provide limited storage, housing and shop area. Space offered shall be in “as-is" condition. Prior to making any modifications or alterations to the space, Contractor shall obtain written approval from the COR. Any such modifications or alterations shall be at the expense of the Contractor. Upon completion of the contract, the facility shall be returned to the government in the same condition as received at the expense of the Contractor, except for reasonable wear and tear.

(c) The Government shall not provide the Contractor with any fuel storage, equipment or telephones. If available, electric and gas utilities at the designated work and storage areas shall be provided for purposes of contract performance only. The Contractor shall take adequate safety precautions to prevent hazardous product spills, fire hazards, odors and unsanitary conditions.

(d) The Contractor is 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.

(e) Only the Contractor’s equipment, supplies and property necessary to perform work under this contract shall be stored at the Contractor's designated storage area at the end of each workday. No maintenance or repair of Contractor equipment shall be conducted on cemetery property without the COR’s written approval.

(f) Contractor employees may park privately owned vehicles in the area designated for parking by the COR.

B.13 INSPECTION & MONITORING PROCEDURES

(a) A record keeping system of Contractor work performance shall be established and implemented by the COR for the services involved. The COR shall inspect and verify that fertilizer and herbicide applications are applied in accordance with the Turf Application Schedule and at the appropriate turf application rate.

(b) Payment: Upon completion of each turf application, the Contractor shall submit an invoice in arrears for services rendered. Prior to certification of payment, invoices shall be verified for accuracy by the COR. The COR shall verify the services provided and authorize payment as indicated in the Price Schedule. VA reserves the right to reject any work that does not meet contract specifications.

[END OF STATEMENT OF WORK / SPECIFICATIONS)

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS: Interested Offerors MUST be registered with the System of Award Management (SAM) at http://www.sam.gov and must compete the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) at http://www.sam.gov prior to the solicitation closing date. Failure to comply will result in the offeror being considered Non-Responsive. Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) socio-economic category concerns MUST have an active/current registration with the Vendor Information Pages (VIP) and the Verification Case Management System (VCMS) via www.vip.vetbiz.gov (VetBiz.Gov) Interested Offerors who do not have a current/active Sam account registration or whom are not certified in VIP will be considered non-responsive.

REGISTRATION WITH VENDOR PORTAL: All Interested Offerors must be registered with the Department of Veterans Affairs eCMS Vendor Portal at https://www.vendorportal.ecms.va.gov . Offerors 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 an Offeror is unable to submit a Quote/Proposal through the vendor portal domain, prior to the Quote/Proposal closing date, contact the VAAS helpdesk at 1-877-634-3739, or via email at VA.Acquisition.Systems@va.gov. If an Offeror is still having difficulties in submitting a proposal via the Vendor Portal the contracting officer/Specialist may accept an Offeror’s Quote/Proposal via email under the following circumstances:

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

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

Submitted Quotes/proposals via email without set requirements may be considered nonresponsive. All Quote/Proposals transmissions and uploads submitted via the Vendor Portal or via email are due as specified in this solicitation. Late or incomplete Quotes may also be considered nonresponsive. Additionally, prospective offerors must also be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) website and complete representations and certifications at https://www.sam.gov.

QUOTATION PREPARATON INSTRUCTIONS: Offerors shall submit quotes in four (4) separate volumes and in Adobe Acorbat (.pdf) format. Offerors who fail to provide Volumes A through D will result in the Contractor being considered non-responsive.

Company Information (Volume A) The following information shall be included in Volume A:

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

· Complete Company Address (No P.O. Boxes)

· Duns Number

· Company Point of Contract Name and Title

· Telephone Number

· Email Address

· Company Capabilities Statement

· One (1) Signed Copy of all Solicitation Amendments

· One (1) Copy of Completed FAR Clause 52.223-3 “Hazardous Material Identification and Material Safety Data” (if applicable).

· One (1) copy of Completed FAR Provisions 52.212-3 “Certifications and Representations” or indicate whether contractor has completed the annual representation and certifications electronically at www.sam.gov (copy of current SAM status)

Technical Proposal (Volume B) The following shall be included as part of the Offeror’s technical submission, Volume B:

· Company relevant experience descriptions

· Managerial & Technical Qualifications of Key Personal to include Resumes

· Relevant work qualifications of proposed sub-contractor and approximate percentage of work subcontractors will perform. Interested Offerors shall reference VAAR 852.219-10

· Work Plan/Staffing Plan to accomplish the required services to include man hours, methodology, list of equipment/vehicles to be used, licenses, permits and insurance information.

Past Performance (Volume C) The following shall be included as part of the Offeror’s Past Performance submission, Volume C:

· Past performance Questionnaire (Attachment D) from at least three (3) references in the last five (5) years. Past Performance information provided must be similar or somewhat similar to the required service(s). Interested Offeror shall list any National Cemetery Administration (NCA) contracts currently working or previously worked first followed by Non-NCA contracts.

Pricing (Volume D) The following information shall be included in Volume D

· Proposed pricing shall be submitted on the Price/Cost Schedule of Services (Attachment A)

EVALUATION PROCESS: The Government intends to award an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Requirements contract resulting from this Solicitation to the responsible Offeror whose Offer/Quote provides the best benefit to the Government, price and other factors considered. Quotations/Offers 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.

Quotations/Offerors will be evaluated by performing a direct comparison of one Quotation/Offer with another in a uniform manner to determine which Quotation/Offer provides the government with its needs, as identified in the RFQ. The government reserves the right to consider a response that Quotes or 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/Offer that provides additional benefits. The government also has the discretion to make an award based on whether the lowest priced of the quotations/Quotations having the highest past performance rating possible represents the best benefit to the government.

Technical Approach and Understanding of the Work:

Offer shall be evaluated in accordance with the criteria contained in the Statement of Work and on how well the technical approach meets the Government requirements. Technical approach will be evaluated for the following:

1. Demonstrate experience in performing this requirement.

2. Demonstrate Key Personal have the managerial and technical qualifications in performing this requirement.

3. Demonstrate Work Plan/Staffing Plan is suitable in performing this service

Past Performance:

Past performance shall be evaluated based on the Offer’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.

Price: Proposed price will be evaluated for Fairness and Resonableness.

SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES:

Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses The full text of FAR/VAAR provisions or clauses may be accessed electronically at http://acquisition.gov/comp/far/index.html.

https://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/

The following solicitation provisions apply to this acquisition:

FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Quoters – Commercial Items (MAR 2020) FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation – Commercial Items (OCT 2014) FAR 52.212-3* Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items (MAR 2020) VAAR 852.270-1 Representatives of Contracting Officers (JAN 2008) VAAR 852.215-70 VA Notice of Total Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Evaluation Factors (Oct 2019) VAAR 852.215-71 Evaluation Factor Commitments (Oct 2019) *Quoters must complete annual representations and certifications on-line at www.sam.gov in accordance with FAR 52.212-3 “Quoters Representations and Certifications – Commercial Items.” If paragraph (j) of the provision is applicable, a written submission is required.

The following solicitation 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 52.216-27 Single or Multiple Awards (Oct 1995) FAR 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (Nov 1999) (30 days) FAR 52.217-9, Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (Mar 2000) (30 days) (shall not exceed 5 years and 6 months) FAR Clause 52.223-3 “Hazardous Material Identification and Material Safety Data FAR 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Dec 2013) FAR 52.237-3 Continuity of Services (Jan 1991) VAAR 852.203-70 Commercial Advertising (Jan 2008) VAAR 852.219-10 VA Notice of Total Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (Jul 2019) (DEVIATION) VAAR 852.219-74 Limitations on Subcontracting – Monitoring and Compliance (Jul 2018) VAAR 852.219-75 Subcontracting Commitments Monitoring and Compliance (Jul 2018) VAAR 852.219-76 Subcontracting Plans 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” (Oct 2018) applies to this acquisition. The following subparagraphs of FAR 52.212-5 are applicable: (b)(4), (b)(18), (b)(22), (b)(25), (b)(26), (b)(27), (b)(28), (b)(30), (b)(33)(i), (b)(42), (b)(49), (b)(55), (c)(2), (c)(8), and (c)(9).

End of Document See attached document: Bid Schedule.

See attached document: P02 - Past Performance Questionaire.

See attached document: WD - Baltimore - 12 Aug 2020.

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