36C78625B0038 0001_Amendment.pdf

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE 7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER 3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO. 1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE CODE

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office. is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30 PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

(Type or print) (Type or print)

(Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code)

(If other than Item 6)

(Specify type of modification and authority)

(such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer)

0001 07-20-2025

941-002

36C786

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

36C786

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

To all Offerors/Bidders

36C78625B0038

07-03-2025

X

X X

X 1

This amendment is to answer the request for information (RFI) submitted from interested bidders. Some questions are still in review. Answers shall be published as soon as possible.

Please Note: The Pre-Bid Site Visit is scheduled for 7/22/2025 at 1000 MST. All Bidders shall meet at the flagpole of the Cemetery. A NCA rep shall be present to show the site.

All bidders’ SDVOSB certs shall be verified using SBA’s Small Business Search (formerly Dynamic Small Business Search), Not, SBA VetCert site. Please ensure company is registered. (see Q&A #21 in Q&A section for link)

All other terms and conditions shall remain the same.

Auvorie Benson Contracting Officer

Questions and Answers

1. Drawing S321 Detail 1 shows a straight Weir Wall across the pond at elevation 3770, with a crest at 3775.50. However, irrigation water enters at 3776, and sediment will accumulate and overflow at the southeastern end of the wall before reaching the northeastern corner—potentially releasing sediment into the clean water zone. Has the engineer conducted hydraulic and sediment transport modeling to validate this design?

Our models suggest shifting the northeastern corner further east and aligning the southeastern corner closer to the 3776 turn line to promote more uniform sediment settling.

The Civil Engineer’s design intent was to have the top of the weir wall match the elevation of the irrigation volume required. Since this pond serves both as an irrigation and stormwater pond, the elevation at which the weir would need to be set at to allow for clean water to overtop varies from event to event.

2. Detail CS403 on Sheet C-5 (1”=10’ scale) indicates that safely excavating and installing the Weir Wall would require full removal of the pond’s northwest corner to allow proper equipment access. Given the extent of excavation needed, would the VA consider a Value Engineering (VE) proposal that achieves equivalent sediment control outcomes with a more constructible approach?

VE suggestions are always welcomed to be considered. Any VE will need to be validated after award before contractor can assume for this in their price. Depending on the level of effort to validate the VE suggestion if the contractor is not providing their own stamped engineering, the A/E may need to seek a contract modification to review.

3. What are the specified compaction requirements for the pond base, sidewalls, and rim during reconstruction, including the acceptable material types for each zone (e.g., soil classification, gradation, moisture content)? Additionally, what are the required compaction test intervals during placement—both in terms of horizontal spacing and lift depth—to verify compliance with project specifications?

Refer to Section 5 of the Geotechnical report dated December 12, 2024, for earthwork recommendations and compaction requirements. Refer to Specification 01 45 29 for testing intervals.

4. Approximately how much riprap is currently surrounding the liner and pond? Will that need to be placed back?

A/E does not have information regarding the sizing or depth of rip rap that surrounds the pond. The pond area is roughly 1,050 sq ft to use for estimates. Yes, the pond will need to be restored to its current aesthetics after construction activities.

5. Where does the pumphouse suction pipe penetrate the pond liner to connect to the pump? Please provide the exact location, elevation, and detail reference, if available.

Reference photo below from spring 2024 showing some pump and drainage components.

6. Will the inlet suction pipe include a microfilter or screen to prevent silt and debris from entering the pump and mainline irrigation system? If not, is the pipe intended to remain fully exposed to the pond water without any form of intake protection?

The current inlet pipe includes a screen which is to remain:

7. The Toro 570ZPR spray heads specified are designed for clean water applications.

Given the high potential for silt infiltration in this system, would it be acceptable to substitute with the Rain Bird 1800 SAM PRS Series with the Dirty Water Screen (DWS) option? This head includes built-in pressure regulation comparable to the 570ZPR and is specifically engineered for sediment-laden water. All performance parameters—PSI, zone coverage, and spray distances—remain equivalent.

Yes, this is an acceptable solution. Irrigation drawings will be reissued after RFI period is complete to show this option.

8. A subcontractor previously involved in the development indicated that blasting of basalt rock was required. Will blasting be permitted for this project? If so, will the VA require pre- and post-blast condition surveys of adjacent properties, including nearby residences and the City Cemetery? Additionally, in the event of damage to any of these properties resulting from blasting, will the responsibility for repairs rest solely with the contractor, or will the government share in the associated costs?

Yes, blasting will be permitted. See the General Requirements specifications section 01 00 02, “1.11 Protection of Existing Vegetation, Structures, Equipment, Utilities, and Improvements” for requirements.

9. With the anticipated development of the PPC and IGC fields, will the existing access road require replacement or reinforcement due to the frequent use by heavy construction vehicles and equipment? Please clarify if the current roadway is rated for this level of traffic, or if upgrades are planned as part of the project scope.

See Civil note below that is on the Erosion Control plan. The intent is to minimize any construction vehicles using the existing roadway; there should not be frequent use by heavy construction vehicles and equipment – use the construction access and temporary road as noted on the drawings. Contractor will be required to repair road damage to existing roads.

10. Please give a comprehensive clarification regarding installer and manufacturer qualifications as referenced in the following specification sections:

• Section 034821 1.6 C – Installer qualifications for precast concrete installations

• Section 03 48 24 – Columbarium niche units, hardware, and cover systems

• Section 04 73 00 1.3 – Installer qualification for columbarium niche covers

Reference Specifications 03 48 24 and 03 48 26.

11. Will the site maintenance contractor require access to the pond area during the pond construction activities in order to perform their ongoing responsibilities? If so, please clarify the expected level of access, coordination requirements, and any scheduling considerations that should be accounted for during the work.

The contractor uses the pond exclusively for irrigation from Mar/Apr to Oct/Nov. I’m assuming the construction activities in the pond are in the non-irrigating season so there shouldn’t be any issues. He does keep most of his equipment in the area which needs to be observed.

12. Can you provide data on the average number of visitors and burials the cemetery receives per week during the summer months compared to the winter months? This information will help inform construction scheduling and access coordination near the site.

SRCNC averages 1.25 burials per week. It’s consistent throughout the year. Visitation is very low year-round as well.

13. During the winter, when the pond will be emptied and unavailable, will there be an alternative water source available on-site for contractor use? Considering the cemetery relies on the pond for irrigation, please clarify if any temporary or backup water supply will be accessible during this period.

The pond exclusively feeds the irrigation system which is winterized in the non-irrigation months. This should not be an issue for the contractor in the winter months.

14. These sections reference certification requirements, prior experience standards, and installer eligibility conditions that may affect subcontractor selection, bid compliance, and contract performance. To that end, please confirm the following:

Approved Lists and Certification Processes

• Does the VA or NCA maintain a list of approved or certified installers and/or manufacturers for precast crypts, columbarium units, niche covers, or associated hardware systems?

Unfortunately, there’s not a list. However, the contractor shall ensure that the installers and manufactures meet the requirements stated in the specifications.

• What constitutes an "approved certification process" for niche cover installation or precast columbarium systems?

For niche covers, see 034824, 1.5 Installer Qualifications.

For precast columbarium systems, see 034824, 1.4 Manufacturer Qualifications.

Acceptable Experience

• Would an installer or manufacturer whose experience is limited to utility boxes, precast utility vaults, stone veneers, meet the requirement for experience for installation of burial crypts and columbariums “similar in scope and complexity”?

See 034824, 1.5 Installer Qualifications that specifically notes the installer has previously completed at least 3 successful NCA columbarium projects within the past 10 years.

Also note that mock-up installations are required for inspection and sign-off.

• For Section 03 48 24:

o Does “custom units” refer specifically to columbarium/niche systems or to any precast concrete unit that deviates from standard design?

It refers to the custom columbarium units.

o What qualifies as a “similar design” for niche cover fastener systems under Section 1.4 C?

Similar design refers to an NCA columbarium project with niche cover fastener systems.

Penalties and Consequences for Non-Compliance

• If the awarded contractor is unable to provide an installer that meets the required qualifications:

o What are the contractual consequences (e.g., rejection, termination for default, re-bid)?

o No. The requirements for installer qualifications are firm and must be met at the time of contract award and performance. There is no established waiver process under FAR Part 14. Bidders are expected to ensure compliance with all solicitation requirements prior to submission and during contract performance.

Any proposed personnel must meet all mandatory qualification criteria as specified.

o Does the VA offer any case-by-case evaluation process or temporary waiver mechanism for otherwise qualified personnel?

o No. The requirements for installer qualifications are firm and must be met at the time of contract award and performance. There is no established waiver process under FAR Part 14. Bidders are expected to ensure compliance with all solicitation requirements prior to submission and during contract performance.

Any proposed personnel must meet all mandatory qualification criteria as specified.

Combined Supply and Installation Requirement

In cases where the specifications require that supply and installation be provided by the same entity (e.g., fastener systems in Section 1.4 C), does this allow for subcontracting if both parties meet experience thresholds and certifications?

Yes

15. The site meeting time shows 1000PST, but Idaho is in Mountain Time, should this be adjusted for Mountain Time?

Yes. 1000MST. Everyone shall meet the Cemetery Rep at the Flagpole

16. Regarding the newly planted Rocky Mountain Junipers along the perimeter fence line, I would like clarification on the intended irrigation method. Specifically:

o Is it the government's intention to have these trees sustained via the existing drip irrigation line?

Refer to the note on the irrigation demo plan. Existing drip line is to be removed and replaced by pop up spray sprinklers along the south berm. Reissued drawings will also show water bags around tree trunks during establishment.

From discussions with the previous landscaping company, we were informed that the drip system struggled significantly to establish the earlier plantings. The issues cited included:

Silty water reducing emitter efficiency

Heavy winds accelerating water loss before proper soil absorption o Additionally, it's worth noting that trees installed during the original development were supported by sprinkler bubblers, which seemed to be more effective for deeper watering of larger root systems.

17. Following up on the irrigation concerns, I’d like to ask for clarification regarding the trees located outside the perimeter fence line:

a. It appears that these trees do not have bubbler irrigation installed, unlike other trees already established on-site.

Reissued irrigations plans will show new bubblers for these two existing trees outside of the fence. There are no new trees proposed outside of the fence.

b. Can you confirm whether bubbler systems will be required to furnish water directly to the roots of these trees, in line with the existing standards on the property?

No, the trees outside of the perimeter fence will not have bubblers.

18. While the North–South Weir detail is provided on Sheet CS403, there is no East– West detail shown. This detail is necessary to determine whether the wall is designed as a straight or curved structure and to fully understand the footing configuration.

Additionally, the current Weir detail lacks information on subgrade preparation, compaction requirements, and base rock or soil specifications. Can the engineer provide the missing East–West section and clarify the required foundation and compaction details?

The wall is designed as a straight weir wall measuring 53’ from end to end. Per the Foundation Notes on S-001, subgrade preparation and compaction shall follow the recommendations outlined in the Geotechnical Report.

19. The perimeter fence along the southern edge of the pond borders property owned by a large multinational agricultural company. Has coordination been made with this property owner to allow excavation on their side for construction of the southern end of the Weir? If not, what type of equipment or methods were assumed by the engineer/design team to construct the Weir, considering the steep slope of the pond in that area? Additionally, what construction techniques or means-and-methods documentation was provided to the government to demonstrate that the current Weir design is constructible within the physical site constraints?

According to our planned 4:1 tie back slope, the contractor and VA will need to coordinate a temporary work access easement with the property owner to the south of the fence line. Per design conversations, a crushed CMP to the south of the fence line is resulting in poor drainage for the southern property and contributing to sediment infiltrating the irrigation pond. The construction of the proposed cross pan will increase drainage in the area and it should be advantageous for the southern property owner to allow temporary access on the property.

20. In reviewing recent solicitations, I noticed in the Cemetery Expansion Improvements Construction Project - Snake River Canyon Natl Cemetery; Proj # 941-002 (36C78625B0038) solicitation that you had included the new Clause 52.223-2 but not Clause 52.223-23. If I missed the inclusion of Clause 52.223-23, please excuse my error.

This was missed in error. Clause 52.223-23 shall be included in the solicitation as a reference.

21. Earlier today, I contacted the SBA Help Desk to understand why our firm was not appearing in the SBA VetCert database. I was informed that firms certified after October/November 2024 will no longer be reflected in VetCert, but instead will appear in the Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) system. Can you confirm whether this requirement will be updated or removed from the subject solicitation? We need to determine our eligibility to bid prior to the site walk.

The SBA VetCert database is no longer the program of record. SBA’s Small Business Search (formerly Dynamic Small Business Search) is now the only up-to-date database search. Bidders shall be verified using this system to determine if it is a SDVOSB company.

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Questions and Answers