36C78621Q0143.pdf

RFQ FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

GENERAL INFORMATION

Document Type: Combined Synopsis Solicitation

Solicitation Number: 36C78621Q0143

Post Date: 04/12/2021

Response Date: 04/28/2021 at 4:00 pm EST

Applicable NAICS: 561730

Classification Code: S208

Set Aside Type: 100% Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)

Period of Performance: 06/01/2021 through 5/31/2022, plus 4, one-year options, if exercised

Issuing Contracting Office: Department of Veterans Affairs

National Cemetery Administration, Contract Services

18434 Joplin Rd

Triangle, VA, 22172

Place of Performance: Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd.

San Antonio, TX 78209

Attachments: A – Price Schedule

B – Performance Work Statement

C – Wage Determination

D – Cemetery Map

E – Past Performance Questionnaire

F – List of References

DESCRIPTION

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. This is a solicitation issued as a request for quotation (RFQ) for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart

12.6, Acquisition of Commercial Items and FAR Part 13.5, Simplified Procedures for Certain

Commercial Items, 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. Responses to this RFQ are due to the Contracting Officer no later than 4:00 pm EST on

04/28/2021. The Government anticipates that responses to this announcement will result in a Firm Fixed

Price, Requirements contract and the Government intends to make award under this announcement without discussion. 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. Quoters are responsible for obtaining all amendments or additional information concerning this announcement at https://beta.sam.gov https://beta.sam.gov/

This solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC)

2021-05 Effective 03/10/2021.

This is a 100% set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) in accordance with VAAR 819.7005.

The applicable North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is

561730, with a business size standard of $8 million.

Scope: The contractor shall be responsible for providing grounds maintenance services for the Fort Sam

Houston National Cemetery during the period of June 1, 2021, through May 31, 2022, plus 4, one-year option periods, if exercised. A mandatory start date for the services provided under this solicitation is firm start date of June 1, 2021.

PRICE SCHEDULE

See Attachment A – Price Schedule

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES REQUIRED

See Attachment B – Performance Work Statement

See Attachment D – Cemetery Map

QUOTE FORMAT AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION:

Quotes shall be submitted via email to the following addresses:

Email: Kenneth.Dougherty@va.gov

Questions pertaining to this announcement shall be sent by email to: kenneth.dougherty@va.gov no later than three days prior to solicitation closing date. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted.

EVALUATION PROCESS:

The Government intends to award a firm fixed price, Requirements contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible Quoter whose quote conforming 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 of offers in accordance with FAR 13.106-2(b) 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 quote that provides additional benefits.

mailto:Kenneth.Dougherty@va.gov mailto:kenneth.dougherty@va.gov

QUOTE CONTENTS:

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

-Volume 1 -Pricing

• Offer letter on Company letterhead which includes the following:

o Legal Business/Company Name (as listed in www.sam.gov) o DUNS Number o Point of Contact Name o Telephone number o Email Address o List any exceptions to the requirements

• Schedule of Services (Attachment A – Price Schedule) with Quoted amounts

-Volume 2 – Technical Package for Evaluation

• One (1) Technical Proposal that addresses the three (3) Evaluation Factors and the Performance

Work Statement’s (PWS) requirements. Volume 2 – Technical Package cannot exceed 30 pages.

o Technical/Management Capabilities

▪ Key Personnel

• Performance Plan and Scheduling

• Staffing Plan and Equipment

• List of References (Attachment E)

• Past Performance:

o The Quoter is responsible for providing at least three (3) completed past performance questionnaires (Attachment F – Past Performance Questionnaire)

VOLUME 1 – Pricing: The sum of all the contract line items (CLINs) will represent the total evaluated price. Quoted prices must be determined to be fair and reasonable in order to be eligible for award.

VOLUME 2 - Technical Package: The technical package shall include a detailed narrative that describes the Quoter’s approach to meeting the solicitation’s requirements by addressing each of the technical factors and sub-factors. Quote shall be evaluated in accordance with the criteria contained in this solicitation and on how well the Quoter’s approach meets or exceeds the Government’s requirements.

Failure to provide the required narrative will result in the Contract being considered nonresponsive.

Technical capability will be evaluated to determine the extent to which it demonstrates a clear understanding of all features involved in performance of the requirements identified in the PWS. The narrative should not simply restate the Governments requirements, but it should describe, in detail, how the Quoter intends to meet the requirements. The following technical factors need to be addressed in quotes submitted in response to this solicitation:

Factor 1: Technical and Managerial Capabilities

The detailed technical and managerial section shall specifically address all technical and management requirements set forth in this Request for Quotation (RFQ) including any exhibits or attachments.

• Quoter shall submit experience and expertise for the following cemetery grounds maintenance services:

http://www.sam.gov/ o Lawn Maintenance: Mowing, String Trimming, and Blade Edging o Trash and Debris Removal o Operation of equipment in the vicinity of headstones and other objects (man-made or natural)

• Provide relevant information that demonstrates the technical and managerial qualifications of key personnel proposed to perform under the contract. Key personnel are defined as those individuals who will directly manage, supervise, provide technical guidance, and oversee onsite contracted personnel. Qualifications of technical personnel and managers shall include relevant training, experience, and certifications (e.g. licensed pesticide applicator). Additional qualifications shall be provided in the form of a resume, not to exceed two pages in length, for each of the proposed individuals. Key personnel also include those that will serve as a liaison between the Contractor and the Government. Key personnel shall, at a minimum, include (1) English speaking, onsite supervisor. Quoter’s onsite supervisor shall have a minimum of (5) years’ experience as a direct supervisor for grounds maintenance services that includes mowing, trimming, edging, and grounds debris pickup and disposal in an industrial, commercial, or public settings. Identify each function the key personnel will provide during the performance of the contract.

• Quoters shall provide or demonstrate the ability to obtain all licenses, permits, insurance information, and other certification prior to the commencement of performance under the contract.

Factor 2: Performance Plan and Scheduling

Describe the methodology to be implemented to accomplish the requirements of the Performance Work

Statement (Attachment B) and detail how the proposed approach will effectively achieve each performance objective. A statement such as, “the Quoter will abide by solicitation/contract requirements” is not acceptable for determining technical acceptability.

Quoters shall provide a narrative specifying how allowances will be made for weather delays, holidays, burial services, days of the week, and hours of operations.

Factor 3: Staffing Plan and Equipment

• Quoters shall describe the proposed staffing plan to include any subcontractors who may be used to complete services under this requirement. Quoters shall provide an explanation of the number of employees and their roles to be utilized. Quoters shall indicate how long it will take to fully recruit and hire the staff needed for this requirement.

• Quoters shall provide a thorough list of equipment, vehicles, supplies, products, and materials, as applicable, proposed for use under this requirement. Equipment model, type, and approximate age should be addressed for work to be performed with an explanation on how the proposed items selected will be implemented under this requirement.

Past Performance: Past performance shall be evaluated based on the Quoter’s completion and effectiveness on projects within the last (5) years that are comparable in size, complexity, and scope for this solicitation. Quoters shall complete and submit Attachment E – List of References and Attachment F

– Past Performance Questionnaire, in Volume 2 – Technical Package. Quoters are to understand that the references provided may be contacted to obtain performance information for the contracts provided in

Attachments in Attachment E and Attachment F.

The Government may also use any relevant information in its possession or in the public domain, including information available in the Government’s databases, Duns & Bradstreet, Contractor

Performance Assessment System (CPARS), and the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity

Information System (FAPIIS) to evaluate Quoters’ past performance.

SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

FAR 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 Quoter is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the Quoter and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the Quoter 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 these addresses:

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far https://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/

VAAR 852.252-70 Solicitation Provisions or Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Jan 2008)

The following provisions or clauses incorporated by reference in this solicitation must be completed by the Quoter or prospective contractor and submitted with the quotation or offer. Copies of these provisions or clauses are available on the Internet at the web sites provided in the provision at FAR 52.252-1, Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference, or the clause at FAR 52.252-2, Clauses Incorporated by Reference. Copies may also be obtained from the contracting officer.

(End of provision)

The following solicitation provisions apply to this acquisition:

FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Quoters – Commercial Items (Jun 2020)

FAR 52.204-7 System for Award Management (Oct 2018)

FAR 52.204-16 Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting (Aug 2020)

FAR 52.209-7 Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Oct 2018)

FAR 52.233-2 Service of Protest (Sept 2006)

FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications – Commercial Items (Feb 2021) (Jul

2020) (DEVIATION) Quoters must complete annual representations and certifications on-line at http://orca.bpn.gov in accordance with FAR 52.212-3 “Offeror Representations and Certifications –

Commercial Items (Feb 2021)” If paragraph (j) of the provision is applicable, a written submission is required.

FAR 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 these addresses:

https://acquisition.gov/content/52252-1-solicitation-provisions-incorporated-reference https://acquisition.gov/content/52252-2-clauses-incorporated-reference http://orca.bpn.gov/

The following solicitation clauses apply to this acquisition:

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

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

FAR 52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights and Requirement to Inform Employees of

Whistleblower Rights (Jun 2020)

FAR 52.204-4 Printed or Copied Double-Sided on Postconsumer Fiber Content Paper (May 2011)

FAR 52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance (Oct 2018)

FAR 52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance (Aug 2020)

FAR 52.216-18 Ordering (Aug 2020) (June 1, 2021 through May 31, 2026)

FAR 52.216-19 Order Limitations (Oct 1995) ($250.00, 44, 190, 10, 5)

FAR 52.216-21 Requirements (Oct 1995) (May 31, 2026)

FAR 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (Nov 1999) (15 days)

FAR 52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (Mar 2000) (30 days | 30 days | 5 years)

FAR 52.219-14 Limitations on Subcontracting (Jun 2020) (DEVIATION)

FAR 52.228-5 Insurance – Work on a Government Installation (Jan 1997)

CL-120 Supplemental Insurance Requirements

FAR 52.232-18 Availability of Funds (Apr 1984)

FAR 52.232-19 Availability of Funds for the Next Fiscal Year (Apr 1984)

FAR 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (DEC 2013)

(DEVIATION AUG 2020)

FAR 52.237-3 Continuity of Services (Jan 1991)

VAAR 852.203-70 Commercial Advertising (May 2008)

VAAR 852.219-10 VA Notice of Total Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (Nov

2020) (DEVIATION)

VAAR 852.219-74 Limitations on Subcontracting – Monitoring and Compliance (Jul 2018)

(DEVIATION)

VAAR 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payments Requests (Nov 2018)

VAAR 852.233-70 Protest Content/Alternative Dispute Resolution (Oct 2018)

VAAR 852.233-71 Alternate Protest Procedure (Oct 2018)

VAAR 852.237-75 Key Personnel (Oct 2019)

VAAR 852.242-71 Administrative Contracting Officer (Oct 2020)

VAAR 852.270-1 Representatives of Contracting Officers (Jan 2008)

The clause at 52.212-5 “Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive

Orders” (Jan 2021) applies to this acquisition. The following subparagraphs of FAR 52.212-5 are applicable: (b)(1), (b)(4), (b)(7), (b)(8), (b)(16), (b)(22)(i), (b)(27), (b)(29), (b)(30)(i), (b)(31)(i), (b)(32)(i), (b)(33), (b)(34), (b)(35)(i), (b)(44), (b)(51), (b)(58), (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), (c)(7) and (c)(8).

(c)(3) 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

Laborer, grounds maintenance WG 3-1 $13.88 + $4.54

Laborer, grounds maintenance WG 3-5 $16.20 + $4.54

End of Addenda

End of Document