36C78621Q0016.pdf

Contract Opportunity Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice

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* = Required Field Contract Opportunity Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Notice

Provide Inscribed Upright Granite Headstones (Old Style) with Raised Lettering(YA)

22172

36C78621Q0016

09-14-2020 4:00 pm EASTERN TIME, NEW YORK, USA

N

SBA

327991

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

Katherine Iacovelli

Various Nationwide

USA

https://www.va.gov

Department of Veterans Affairs

Katherine.iacovelli@va.gov

Contract Officer

RFQ FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

GENERAL INFORMATION

Document Type: Combined Synopsis Solicitation

Solicitation Number: 36C78620Q0016

Post Date: 8/30/2020

Question Due Date: 9/4/2020 @ 4 pm EST

Response Date: 9/14/2020 @ 4 pm EST

Applicable NAICS: 327991

Product Code: 9930

Set Aside Type: Small Business (SB)

Period of Performance: 1 Base year and 4 Option Years

Issuing Contracting Office: Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration 18434 Joplin Rd Triangle, VA 22172

Delivery Locations: Per Future Task Orders

Attachments: Attachment 1: Definitions Attachment 2: Contract Discrepancy Report Attachment 3: Sample Review Form Attachment 4: Drawing

Attachment 5: Past Performance Questionnaire

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.603 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. This solicitation is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ), solicitation number 36C78621Q0016.

This solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2020-06 with an effective date of 06-06-2020.

NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (NAICS) CODE:

The (NAICS) code for this procurement is 327991. The business size standard number of employees is 500.

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

The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, anticipates the award of a Firm- Fixed Priced Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) type contract for F1, blank, flat, marble markers to be delivered to onsite inscription contractors located at the cemeteries listed in Attachment B:

Cemetery Listing.

POST AWARD CONFERENCE: No Post Award Conference will be held. All necessary information can be found in the SOW.

RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ): Quotes are due to the Contracting officer no later than 4:00 pm EST on 9/14/2020. Responses to this announcement will result in a Firm-Fixed Unit Price Requirements 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:

All questions regarding this solicitation are to be submitted to the Contracting Officer, via email, no later than 4:00 pm EST, 9/4/2020. Questions pertaining to this announcement shall be sent by email to:

Katherine.iacovelli@va.gov. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted.

PRICE SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES: Please note that all shipments shall be F.O.B. Destination.

BASE PERIOD: 10/1/2020 – 9/30/2021

CLIN Description Est.

Qty.

Unit Unit Price Total Price

0001 YA, Upright Granite Headstone, (Old Style) with Raised Lettering, Inscribed (13” x 42” x 3”)

500 EA $ $

Total Estimated Price: $ $

Option Year 1: 10/1/2021 – 9/30/2022

Qty.

Unit Unit Price Total Price

1001 YA, Upright Granite Headstone, (Old Style) with Raised Lettering, Inscribed (13” x 42” x 3”)

510 EA $ $

Option Year 2: 10/1/2022 – 9/30/2023

Qt.

Unit Unit Price Total Price

2001 YA, Upright Granite Headstone, (Old Style) with Raised Lettering, Inscribed (13” x 42” x 3”)

520 EA $ $

Option Year 3: 10/1/2023 – 9/30/2024

Qt.

Unit Unit Price Total Price

3001 YA, Upright Granite Headstone, (Old Style) with Raised Lettering, Inscribed (13” x 42” x 3”)

530 EA $ $

Option Year 4: 10/1/2024 – 9/30/2025

Qty.

Unit Unit Price Total Price

4001 YA, Upright Granite Headstone, (Old Style) with Raised Lettering, Inscribed (13” x 42” x 3”)

540 EA $ $

The unit price is all-inclusive and covers the completed monuments delivered FOB destination. The same unit price shall apply regardless of the total number of characters inscribed. Minimum order size is one unit, there is no guarantee of any order, maximum contract orders shall be no more than a 10% increase per year.

STATEMENT OF WORK

Base Period $

Option Year 1 $

Option Year 2 $

Option Year 3 $

Option Year 4 $

Grand Total Estimated Price: $

1.0 Background

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), National Cemetery Administration (NCA) furnishes headstones, markers and niche covers (monuments) for deceased veterans worldwide. Memorial monuments are also furnished to memorialize veterans whose remains are non-recoverable.

2.0 Purpose

The purpose of this contract is to manufacture, inscribe and distribute nationwide:

• (YA) – Upright Granite Headstone, (Old Style) with Raised Lettering Inscribed (13” x 42” x 4”)

3.0 General

This contract shall include all labor and materials necessary to furnish upright granite headstones, as noted in 2.0, to each consignee’s address. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing all labor and material needed to manufacture, inscribe, package, palletize, and deliver FOB destination.

3.1 Performance period: The contractor shall have fifteen (15) calendar days following the day an order is sent to the contractor until the monuments are manufactured, inscribed, packaged, and delivered to destinations within the contiguous 48 states (CONUS). FIFO (First in First out)

4.0 Material Specification

4.1 Description: Upright Granite Headstone, (Old Style) with Raised Lettering Inscribed (13” x 42” x 4”)

4.1.1 Product Code: YA

4.1.2 Drawing No.: A-YA-1, Rev. C, dated 09/28/19

4.3 Material: Granite must conform to the definition of Granite as defined by ASTM C119. Granite is to be standard grade, fine- medium grained material as classified by the National Building Granite Quarries Association. Granite must be free from cracks, seams, or starts, chips, pits, or other defects that would impair its strength, durability or readability of the inscription. Markers containing two or more feldspar phenocrysts, which exceed 6 mm, in any direction will be rejected.

4.4 Color: Granite must be a uniform shade of light grey color of (N6 or higher) as judged against the (Munsell Neutral Value Scale, Matte 31 - step scale.

4.5 Finishing: The front, back, top and sides of each monument must be uniformly machine honed with an 80 grit pad or stone to a smooth satin finish, free of scratches, saw marks, rust spots and skips. All edges and corners shall be uniformly rounded with a smooth 3/8 inch eased edge aris. The bottom shall be a smooth sawn finish.

4.6 Source of supply: All stone shall be obtained from quarries within the United States having adequate capacity and facilities to meet the specified requirements. Cutting and finishing shall be done by a manufacturer equipped to process the material promptly and in strict accordance with these specifications.

If the contractor changes from the original approved quarry to another quarry during the contract term, an additional sample must be submitted to the MPS Program Support Unit for approval prior to using the new stone to produce blanks.

4.7 Workmanship: Each monument shall be free from defects in workmanship. Chips, cracks, open seams, or abraded edges, shall not be permitted and the repair or patching of any such defects is prohibited and shall be cause for rejection. The blanks shall be free of ink, oil, crayon marks, dirt, coatings, sealers and stone dust.

4.8 Testing: Stone supplied under this contract shall conform to the following specifications and physical requirements. Stone shall be tested, as listed below, by an approved testing laboratory and test results shall be submitted to the Memorial Products Service, Program Support Unit for approval prior to the production of the sample. Testing is required only once and shall be from a representative sample of the quarry. Testing results are required for new sources of stone.

NOTE: Testing results are not required for the sources in the following areas:

• Washington County, Vermont

• Elberton County, Georgia

• Madera County, California

• Surrey County, North Carolina

4.9 Granite Testing Specifications

4.9.1 Abrasive hardness: Granite shall have an abrasive hardness value (Ha) of not less than 25 when tested as specified in ASTM C241.

4.9.2 Absorption: Granite shall absorb not more than 0.15 percent of moisture by weight when tested for a 48 hour period as specified in ASTM C97.

4.9.3 Compressive strength: Granite shall have a minimum compressive strength of 7500 psi or (5.27 kg/mm2) when tested as specified in ASTM C170.

4.9.4 Modulus of rupture: Granite shall have a minimum modulus of rupture of 1000 psi (or 0.70kg/mm2) when tested as specified in ASTM C99.

4.10 Applicable Publications

4.10.1 Munsell Neutral Value Scale, Matte (31 - step scale)

617 Little Britain Road, New Windsor, NY 12553 – 6148 Phone: (800) 622-2384

4.10.2 ASTM, Sections C97, C99, C170, C241

American Society for Testing and Materials 1220 L. Street, N.W., Suites 100-167 Washington, DC 20005

4.10.3 Dimension Stones of the World

Granite Institute of America, Inc.

28901 Clemens Road, Suite 100, Cleveland, OH 44145

5.0 Inscription Specification

5.1 Reference Drawings

A-LNC&E-1, Rev. A, dated 03/01/07, Letters, Numbers, Characters & Emblems A-LNC&E-2, Rev. A, dated 03/01/07, Letters, Numbers, Characters & Emblems A-LNC&E-3, Rev. A, dated 03/01/07, Letters, Numbers, Characters & Emblems

5.2 Product: The contractor shall inscribe all information as contained on the headstone orders. The end or limit of each line shall be indicated on a line-by-line basis as shown on the order. If any deviation from this is encountered, contact the MPS Program Support Unit at MPSProgSupport@va.gov.

Inscriptions shall be made using an air blast abrasion method. The inscription shall be a depth consistent with the technical drawing and shall conform to the dimensions of letter, numbers and emblems shall conform to scenarios in the contract drawings.

5.3 Lithichrome Application: Lithichrome shall be used on inscriptions provided under this contract.

Whenever lithichrome is not required, “NO LITHICHROME” shall be notated in the remarks box of mailto:MPSProgSupport@va.gov the order. When lithichrome is applied, it shall be N4 or lower as judged against the Munsell Neutral Value Scale, Matte (31-step scale).

6.0 Processing of Orders and Time of Delivery:

Contractors shall provide a single continuously working email address for electronically receiving orders and communication. Orders shall be electronically distributed weekly by MPS to the contractor’s provided email address.

Contractors shall manufacture and ship individual orders on a first in/first out basis. Each order for Normal Delivery shall be produced in numerical sequence, by shipment number.

6.1 Normal Delivery: All monuments, with the exception of those identified for accelerated delivery shall be manufactured and placed on a designated government transportation carrier within fifteen (15) calendar days following the date the order was sent by MPS.

6.2 Accelerated Delivery (10 Day Specials): All markers identified for accelerated delivery (10 day specials) shall be manufactured within ten (10) calendar days, at no additional cost of the Government, following the date the order was sent by MPS. The weekly quantity of markers requiring accelerated delivery is estimated to be less than one percent.

6.3 Replacement In-Kind: In-Kind replacements are orders which may involve an inscription for an in-kind replacement. The intent is to replicate all or part of a pre-existing inscription. In-kind replacements must be provided at no additional cost to the government.

6.4 Inscription Corrections/Cancellations of Orders: Occasionally, it shall be necessary to request from the contractor that a correction is made to the inscription on an order sent to the contractor or that an order be cancelled. These corrections/cancellations shall be forwarded by email to the contractor only by the MPS Program Support Unit and within two (2) calendar days of receipt of the order. The contractor shall be required to respond to each emailed request from the MPS Program Support Unit within one (1) business day from the date the request was sent.

7.0 Packaging and Palletizing

7.1 Materials: All monuments shall be packed in accordance with ANSI industry standards and commercial best practices to assure acceptance by the common carrier.

Non metal bands shall be secured around the pallet or crating for its entire height (from top to bottom) and two additional bands shall secure the pallet or crating around the width. Banding pressure shall be such that it causes no damage to the edges of the stone when packaged. Colored materials or materials capable of staining the stone (ex. uncoated cardboard, certain kinds of wood) during outdoor storage is not permitted.

The packaging and crating shall protect the monuments throughout the handling process and during shipment and comply with the National Motor Freight Classification. Recommendations:

Ensure that the pallet is in good condition. The quantity of monuments that can be placed on the pallet shall depend on the pallet’s build quality and product to pallet dimensions.

Ensure that there is no product overhang. The pallet shall be taking the initial side impacts. Ensure that the pallet extends 1-2” away from the edges of the product.

Corrugated board must be superior or equal to that which is being used to wrap around the product (350 PSI double wall).

7.2 Single Packaging: Packaging shall consist of a two-part carton constructed of a single wall corrugated board. The front of the carton shall fit completely over the front of the monument with the top, bottom and two side flaps folding over each respective surface to protect at least half of that surface. The back of the carton shall fit completely over the back of the monument with the top, bottom and two side flaps folding each respective surface of the monument to protect at least half of that surface. The flaps of the carton halves shall be secured with ½” plastic banding or 2” filament tape. Two bands shall be secured around the carton its entire height (from top to bottom) and two additional bands shall secure the carton around the width. Banding pressure shall be such that it causes no damage to the edges of the stone when packaged.

The packaging shall protect the headstones from shipping abuse during multiple shipments and handling and comply with the National Motor Freight Classification.

Monuments that are to be individually shipped must have 2 stringers or (runners) running the width of the headstone (13” dimension) or 4 blocks placed at the four corners of the headstone to suspend the monument off the floor when laid flat on a surface. Material used for the stringers, runners or blocks is left up to the contractor and their packaging specialists but should be permanently adhered to the cardboard packaging so that they will remain in place until the monument is received at its final destination. This is for convenient pickup when using either a hand truck/dolly or for the forks of a forklift to move the headstone when in transit.

7.3 Palletizing: Each pallet shall not exceed 2,500 lbs. When multiple orders are being shipped to the same consignee or cemetery, headstones are to be shipped together on the same pallet, with sufficient non-steel banding in conjunction with stretch wrap along with individual packaging materials shall be used to prevent damage to the headstones during shipment. Banding shall be in cross-directional pairs, four per pallet, ensuring that the banding is routed through the pallet to minimize any movement of the headstones while in transit. Non-staining corner cards are to be provided between the band and the monument at each corner of the banding (uncoated cardboard against the stone is unsatisfactory due to the tendency for discoloration). The following specifications shall be used in conjunction with standard 42” x 48”, 4-way wood pallets.

Headstones shall be placed on edge on the pallet not to exceed one layer and not totaling more than what the pallet can hold in this configuration which should be 9-10 headstones.

If required, all nails should be hammered back into the wood pallet or replaced to eliminate any tearing of the packaging and possibly scratching the surface of the headstone.

If the pallet to be used shorter, for example 40 x 42, ensure the headstones are placed and stacked on the pallet with the crown (top) of the headstone is within the pallet edge allowing the bottom of the headstone to hang over the edge.

The contractor shall ensure that non-coloring materials are used for packing and that packing materials are not prone to compression which may cause load shifts or damage from the ensuing loose banding.

Ensure that the monuments are properly unitized and secured onto the pallet.

The monuments shall be packed in such a manner that any adhesive, glue or coloring from the packaging does not transfer and adhere to the stone during shipment or during interim storage prior to use. All monuments and packing material shall be contained within the dimensions of the pallet with no overhang.

The contractor shall palletize monuments on pallets in good repair with three stringers having a lift access capability from all four directions.

The contractor shall replace monuments at no additional cost to the Government if the damage is due to unacceptable packing, unacceptable palletizing arrangements, or faulty pallets. The MPS Program Support Unit reserves the right to notify the contractor by email within 5 days of any blanks damaged during transportation. Upon notification, the contractor shall replace the damaged monuments within ten

(10) calendar days from the date the e-mail was sent by MPS to the contractor.

The contractor shall ensure the Government Bill of Lading states “the palletized headstones shall be moved to the rear of the delivery vehicle to ensure the ability of the receiving business to offload the pallet using a forklift”.

7.4 Labeling: The contractor shall provide a packing list or a shipping label for all packaged monuments.

The label shall be at least five (5) inches wide by four (4) inches long with the Order Number, Last Name of the Veteran and Consignee. Labels shall be completely adhered to the front of the package and shall be over-coated with transparent adhesive tape that completely covers the label to prevent removal, smearing or blurring of the information. Shipping labels shall not be covered or obscured in any way by individual packaging or banding materials that would make the labels unreadable.

For multiple orders that have been palletized, a packing list shall be included and attached to the outside of the shrink or stretch wrapped pallet. The packing list shall include all headstones packed on the pallet:

Order Number, Last name of the Veteran and Consignee. Use of a plastic, sealable packing list pouch is required to ensure that the packing list is not removed or torn during transit.

The front and back of each individual package or on each side of a pallet shall be labeled with the words, HANDLE WITH CARE, in one-inch high red letters. Use of commercially available labels can be used for this requirement.

8.0 Government Quality Assurance (QA)

8.1 Inspections: Quality assurance (QA) inspections of the Contractor’s manufacturing facility and products may be performed by the designated COR of the Memorial Programs Service to assure satisfactory contract performance. The Government reserves the right to inspect the quality of blanks without prior scheduling or notifications to the Contractor.

During each QA visit at production sites, a complete assessment of the Contractor’s operation shall be made, to include the following areas:

• Packaging and palletizing of product that promotes damage-free shipments and compliant with all contractual requirements.

• Execution of quality control procedures.

• Maintaining QA records as required, with the records indicating the quality of the markers as shipped.

When at the Contractor’s production facility, the Contractor shall assist the designated COR by providing an adequate, well lighted inspection area. Contractor personnel must provide assistance lifting, handling and moving of product.

8.2 Quality System: The contractor must develop and maintain a written inspection system that documents the quality and timeliness of finished products. The Contractor shall provide, to the designated COR of the MPS Program Support Unit, reports on the Contractor’s processing and delivery of orders to the government contracted transportation carrier. Weekly reports must be emailed to MPS at MPSProgSupport@va.gov, attention to the designated COR by the close of business, Tuesday of the next week. Should this day fall on a holiday, the report must be submitted the day before the holiday. Each report must include the following information on a daily basis:

• Date order was received

• Obligation number

• Shipment numbers

• Date shipped

• Quantity of orders shipped

• Quantity of orders pending

• Estimated ship dates for pending orders

• Number of orders cancelled

• Provide the number of rejected/damaged monuments and the reason for the rejection

• If any order is completed late or projected to be completed beyond the contractually required due date, the contractor must identify the reason(s) for the delinquency, what actions are underway to resolve the tardiness, and the projected future date for completion (projected completion dates which are past the reporting date are unacceptable).

• Identify the on-hand inventory of blanks each week.

• Identify the number of blanks that were scrapped each week (due to blowouts, breakage, change in inscription, inscription error, etc…)

If an order is delinquent at the time that the status report is emailed to the MPS Program Support Unit, the contractor must provide in the same email with the report, the detailed reasons for the delinquency, what measures the contractor shall take to handle the specific delinquency and possible future delinquencies and the exact timeframe the contractor expects to become current with orders.

8.3 Quality Complaints: The receipt of complaints concerning unsatisfactory quality or non-compliance with the contract specifications shall be considered reason for an immediate visit and review of the Contractor’s quality assurance program. The Government reserves the right to inspect 100% of the production for an indefinite period due to quality problems. Indicative, but not all-inclusive, examples of issues meriting inspection are:

• Nonconforming product shipped to fill Government orders.

• The COR rejecting product that passed the Contractor’s inspection system, but product is still awaiting shipment.

• Deficiencies that adversely affect performance of the contract in areas such as:

o Inspection system o Inspection personnel o Manufacturing process o Production control o Planning and scheduling o Craftsmanship o Safety o Knowledge/training of processes and measuring tools o Multiple reorders of same order due to quality deficiencies, or loss or damage from inadequate labeling or palletizing.

The designated COR of the MPS Program Support Unit or a designated inspector for this contract shall inform the Contractor of the deficiencies. A site inspection report shall be generated by the inspecting COR and the COR shall discuss with the Contractor what corrective action(s) shall be taken and when the corrective action shall be taken. When an issue(s) arise regarding a monument not meeting the specified standards and the issue(s) cannot be resolved between the Contractor and the Government, the Contracting Officer shall make a final determination as to whether the monument shall be replaced at the contractor’s expense or at the Government’s expense.

8.4 Quality Complaints – Receipt Blank Shipments which are rejected: Upon notification by MPS that a shipment of blank markers has been rejected for not meeting contract specifications that are outlined in section 4.0 Material Specification of this contract, the contractor shall be required within (3) business days to pick up the rejected shipment at contractor’s expense. Replacements shall be delivered to the cemetery within 10 business days of the contractor’s notification. The Contractor is responsible for performing a quality check prior to palletizing and shipping to eliminate bulk shipment rejections.

9.0 Performance Evaluation

a. Normally, the COR will verbally advise or give a written inspection report to the Contractor of discrepancies the first time they occur and ask the Contractor to correct the problem. A notation will be made on the COR checklist of the date and the time the deficiency was discovered and the date and time the Contractor was notified.

b. If the Government created any of the discrepancies, these will not be counted against the Contractor's performance. When the Government has caused the Contractor to perform in an unsatisfactory manner, the COR will forward a written notice to the responsible organizational element requesting corrective action be taken.

c. When the Contractor is not meeting the acceptable limits of satisfactory performance, a Contractor Discrepancy Report (CDR) will be issued to the Contractor. The seriousness of the failures should govern whether to issue CDR at the end of the period, or as soon as the limits of satisfactory performance are exceeded.

d. When a CDR is issued for a service, the Contracting Officer and/or the COR may exercise any contractual remedy available for non-performance, in accordance with FAR 52.212-4, “Inspection and Acceptance”. When a CDR is received, the Contractor shall complete the applicable fields. The Contracting Officer will evaluate the Contractor's response and determine the next course of action.

e. The issuance of a Contract Discrepancy Report (CDR), found in Attachments, may be cause for the scheduling of a meeting among the Contractor, Contracting Officer, and the COR. A mutual effort will be made to resolve all problems identified. The Government will prepare written minutes of the meeting. The Contractor, Contracting Officer, and the COR will sign the minutes of the meeting(s).

f. Should the Contractor not concur with the minutes, they will so state their objections in writing to the Contracting Officer, within ten calendar days, and also explain the reasons for non-concurrence. The Contracting Officer will review and consider the reasons submitted for the Contractor's non-concurrence and make a decision to revise or uphold the comments as written.

The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor of the decision in writing within ten calendar days of submission of any objections.

g. After a CDR is completed and the vendor's plan accepted by the CO/MPS COR the vendor shall have 1 month to carry-out the plan. After 30 calendar days, if there are any examples of missed standards then a remedy shall apply.

h. If the Contractor does not achieve satisfactory performance by the end of the next period or agreed suspense date, further actions may be considered including, but not limited to termination for default. If the Contractor only achieves a partial satisfactory performance by the end of the next period or agreed suspense date, other remedies including penalties may be applied.

10.0 Employee Requirements

a. The Contractor shall be responsible to ensure Contractor employees providing work on this contract are fully trained and completely competent to perform the required work. All work performed shall be done in a first-class manner and in accordance with good commercial practices.

b. Small Business set-aside: All of the awardee’s managerial/supervisory employees including those on site in supervisory roles shall be direct hires of the Prime Contractor. Labor shall be employed such that 50% of the actual salaries and wages for time attributed on this contract are from actual Prime Contractor employees.

c. Labor Force and Equipment: The Contractor shall be aware of the intensive labor and equipment requirements needed to meet contract specifications. Contractor shall be responsible to provide all labor and equipment as necessary to meet deadlines. The Contractor will provide all necessary resources to complete the efforts assigned under the scope of this contract.

11.0 Procedures (Administrative and Other)

11.1 Government Responsibilities: Notwithstanding the Contractor’s responsibility for total management during the performance of this contract, the administration of the contract shall require coordination between the Government and the Contractor. Contracting Services shall provide, at the time of the contract’s award, the name of one or more individuals authorized to act as Contracting Officer’s Representatives (CORs) during the contract period.

11.2 Contractor Records and Files: The Contractor shall maintain records and files of all documents relating to each order filled under each Government Marker and Marker contract. These records shall include, at minimum, copies of all orders, quality assurance records, inspection results, shipping documents (bearing carrier’s name and PRO tracking numbers) and invoices. These records shall be made available, upon request, to the designated MPS Program Support Unit COR during on-site Quality Assurance inspections.

11.3 Government Marker and Marker Drawings: The Contractor shall ensure copies of all relevant Government drawings for production of monuments are maintained on file.

11.4 Completion point for products: The Contractor’s responsibilities are deemed complete when a shipment is approved for acceptance.

11.5 Invoicing: Invoicing in arrears after acceptance.

11.6 Point of Contact at MPS for the assigned COR e-mail to: MPSProgSupport@va.gov

END STATEMENT OF WORK

CONTRACT CLAUSES AND SOLICITATION PROVISIONS:

52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS-COMMERCIAL ITEMS (Oct 2018) ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS-COMMERCIAL ITEMS Clauses that are incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date), have the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available.

The following clauses are incorporated into 52.212-4 as an addendum to this contract:

52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998).

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html mailto:MPSProgSupport@va.gov http://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/

The following solicitation clauses apply to this acquisition:

(End of Clause)

FAR

Number

Title Date

52.203-3 GRATUITIES APR 1984

52.203-17 CONTRACTOR EMPLOYEE WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS

AND REQUIREMENT TO INFORM EMPLOYEES OF

WHISTLEBLOWER RIGHTS

JUN 2020

52.204-4 PRINTED OR COPIED DOUBLE-SIDED ON

POSTCONSUMER FIBER CONTENT PAPER

MAY 2011

52.204-13 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT MAINTENANCE OCT 2018

52.204-18 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE

MAINTENANCE

JUL 2016

52.216-18 ORDERING, date of award, end of the fiscal year OCT 1995

52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS, $1, $75, $150,000, 5 OCT 1995

52.216-21 REQUIREMENTS, the end of the fiscal year OCT 1995

52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT MAR 2000

52.219-6 NOTICE OF TOTAL SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE

(DEVIATION 2019-01)

NOV 2011

52.219-14 LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING (DEVIATION 2019-

01)

JAN 2017

52.232-18 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS APR 1984

52.232-40 PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENTS TO SMALL

BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTORS

DEC 2013

52.242-13 BANKRUPTCY JUL 1995

52.242-15 STOP-WORK ORDER AUG 1989

852.219-74 LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—MONITORING

AND COMPLIANCE,

JUL 2018

C.3 VAAR 852.212-70 PROVISIONS AND CLAUSES APPLICABLE TO VA

ACQUISITION OF COMMERCIAL ITEMS (APR 2020)

(a) The Contractor agrees to comply with any provision or clause that is incorporated herein by reference to implement agency policy applicable to acquisition of commercial items or components. The following provisions and clauses that have been checked by the Contracting Officer are incorporated by reference.

[X] 852.203–70, Commercial Advertising.

[X] 852.232–72, Electronic Submission of Payment Requests.

[X] 852.233–70, Protest Content/Alternative Dispute Resolution.

[X] 852.233–71, Alternate Protest Procedure.

[X] 852.246–71, Rejected Goods.

[X] 852.270–1, Representatives of Contracting Officers.

[X] 852.273–74, Award without Exchanges.

(b) All requests for quotations, solicitations, and contracts for commercial item services to be provided to beneficiaries must include the following clause:

[] 852.237–74, Nondiscrimination in Service Delivery.

(End of Clause) PLEASE NOTE: The correct mailing information for filing alternate protests is as follows:

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Acquisition and Logistics, Risk Management Team, Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Avenue, N.W.

Washington, DC 20420 Or for solicitations issued by the Office of Construction and Facilities Management:

Director, Office of Construction and Facilities Management 811 Vermont Avenue, N.W.

Washington, DC 20420

(End of Addendum to 52.212-4)

52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR

EXECUTIVE ORDERS-COMMERCIAL ITEMS (MAR 2020)

The following subparagraphs of FAR 52.212-5 are applicable:

(a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(4), (a)(5), (a)(6), (b)(1), (b)(2), (b)(4), (b)(8), (b)(9), (b)(14), (b)(16), (b)(19), (b)(22), (b)(27), (b)(28), (b)(29), (b)(30), (b)(31), (b)(32), (b)(33), (b)(34), (b)(36), (b)(44), (b)(50), (b)(51), (b)(57), (b)(58), (b)(59).

52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS-COMMERCIAL ITEMS (Oct 2018) ADDENDUM to FAR 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS-COMMERCIAL ITEMS

Provisions that are incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date), have the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available.

The following provisions are incorporated into 52.212-1 as an addendum to this solicitation:

52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html http://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/

FAR

Number

Title Date

52.204-6 UNIQUE ENTITY IDENTIFIER OCT 2016

52.204-7 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT OCT 2018

52.204-16 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE

REPORTING

JUL 2016

52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS OCT 2018

52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT, Requirements Fixed Unit Price APR 1984

52.225-25 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH ENTITIES

ENGAGING IN CERTAIN ACTIVITIES OR TRANSACTIONS

AUG 2018

(End of Addendum to 52.212-1)

52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS-COMMERCIAL ITEMS

(MAR 2020)

Proposal Submission Information All quotes shall be submitted by email to the Contract Officer by email by the date and time specified for close of the solicitation. Due to size restrictions more than one may have to be used. Emails should have the solicitation number and “email 1 of 2” or “email 2 of 2” in the subject line. There should be delivery and read receipts on each email in case proof of meeting the deadline is later needed.

Emails should be submitted in enough time that if you receive a rejected or undelivered email message, it can be responded to and still meet the deadline. In other words, waiting until a few minutes before the deadline to submit the package or submission on one email and have having it reject due to size are not acceptable excuses. That clearly shows an inability to: understand how much time your tasks require, project a timeline accurately and meet deadlines. The vendor acknowledges that the Government sees that as risk to the ability of the vendor to deliver orders on time.

Sample Submittal

Potential offerors shall submit at contractor expense one granite sample (24” x 13” x 3/4”) representative of the granite to be used in the production of headstones under the contract. The granite sample shall conform to government specifications to include top crown, radiused edges, etc. and shall be submitted for approval. Mark the sample on the back with a permanent marker to show contractor’s name, telephone number, solicitation number, and email address. Any sample which arrives damaged shall not be accepted. All samples are best and final. Offerors will not be allowed to submit another sample if a sample is deemed unacceptable

The sample must be manufactured and packaged to prevent any damage during shipment. Samples must be accompanied by a statement identifying the brand name and grit rating for the pad or stone used to produce the final finish.

The following inscription shall be used for this sample submission-refer to drawings for lines, spacing and dimensions:

KENNETH Q ZENYUCH

CORP CO F

46 PA ARTY

AUG 31 1871

SEP 24 1954

Failure to meet any of the requirements shall result in the rejection of the sample. The sample shall establish the acceptable product for material, finish and dimensions as well as inscriptions to be used in production; and shall be the basis for comparison of those products. An example of the Sample Review document used by MPS when evaluating the samples is included in the attachments.

NO samples shall be accepted after the closing date.

RELATING TO IRAN—REPRESENTATION AND

CERTIFICATIONS

52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST, see end of VAAR Clause 852.212-70 SEP 2006

Note: All samples should be manufactured using the dimensions noted above. Full size samples will NOT be accepted and will be refused at delivery.

Note: If a potential offeror submits multiple samples from different quarries, upon award of the contract, the Contractor must commit to one quarry for production. If the Contractor needs to transition to another quarry during the term of the contract, refer to 4.6 for process

Submit samples and test results, if required, to the following address:

Department of Veteran Affairs Quantico National Cemetery Memorial Products Service

National Cemetery Administration 5109 Russell Road

Quantico, VA 22134

Once submitted, samples become the property of the Department of Veterans Affairs and shall not be returned. Results of the Sample Review shall be sent to offerors by the Contract Officer after the solicitation has closed. Do not contact the MPS CORS for a copy of the report or the result.

Drawings: PDF copies of drawings are available upon request at no additional charge to potential vendors. The request should be e-mailed to the NCA Memorial Products Service (MPS), Program Support Unit at MPSProgSupport@va.gov and shall include the Contractor’s name, mailing address, phone number, e-mail address, and the name / drawing number of the drawing(s). For full size drawings e-mail the request to MPS. MPS recommends vendors use full size drawings for determining work requirements. An extension to the solicitation’s closing date shall not be granted for failure to request the technical drawings with sufficient lead time.

EVALUATION PROCESS: In accordance with FAR 52.212-2, the Government will award a single contract to the responsible offeror with the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable quote. This means that the Offeror with the lowest evaluated price, meeting or exceeding the acceptability standards for non-cost factors will receive the award. Proposals will be evaluated for acceptability, but not ranked using the non-cost/price factors. The non-cost factors that will be used to evaluate quotations are:

Technical In order to be considered a technically acceptable quote, the Offeror must submit a sample in accordance with the requirements of the Statement of Work, and that sample must be deemed approved based on the sample review requirements (see Attachment: Sample Review Document).

Past Performance Past performance shall be evaluated based on the Offeror’s past experience and performance with projects that are comparable in size, complexity, and scope. A Past Performance Questionnaire is included in the attachments and is required to be filled out by each Offeror and submitted with the quotation.

Additional past performance information shall be obtained by the following methods:

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

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

3. Any other reasonable basis.

End of Document