36C78625Q50132 Combined Synopsis Solicitation.pdf

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/ SOLICITATION

Tree Maintenance Services at Biloxi National Cemetery

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

ii. Solicitation 36C78625Q50132 is issued as a Request for Quote.

iii. This solicitation document incorporates provisions and clauses of those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2025-03 effective 03 January 2025.

iv. This is a Service-Disable Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-aside. The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 561730 with a small business size standard of 9.5 million dollars.

v. National Cemetery Administration (NCA), Contracting Services, intents to award a

Firm Fixed Price Contract for Tree Maintenance for Biloxi National Cemetery.

vi. Place of performance:

Biloxi National Cemetery

400 Veterans Avenue Bldg. 1001

Biloxi, MS 39531

vii. SITE VISIT:

Offerors 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 of the Fort Bliss National Cemetery, YOU MUST CONTACT the following personnel to make arrangements for a site visit.

Billy Simmons, COR/Gardener, Biloxi National Cemetery: 228-388-6668

EMAIL: billy.simmons2@va.gov

viii. SOLICITATION QUESTIONS:

All solicitation questions must be submitted through email to the Contracting Officer:

david.hester@va.gov. Vendor questions must be received by 11:00 am EST on Feb 7, 2025, and will be answered via solicitation amendment no later than Feb 12, 2025.

Questions submitted after the Q&A due date will not be answered.

ix. The following clauses and provisions are applicable to this combined synopsis/solicitation: 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors; 52.212-3 Offeror

Representations and Certifications—Commercial Items; 52.212-4 Contract Terms and

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/ SOLICITATION

Tree Maintenance Services at Biloxi National Cemetery

Conditions—Commercial Items; 52-212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to

Implement Statutes or Executive Orders—Commercial Items.

a. The FAR may be obtained at: Home | Acquisition.GOV

x. The following factors will be evaluated as part of Lowest Priced.

xi. The Government intends to evaluate offers and award without discussion but reserves the right to conduct discussions. Therefore, the offeror’s initial offer should contain the offeror’s best terms from a price and technical standpoint. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if later determined by the Contracting Officer to be necessary. Offers that fail to furnish required representations or information or reject the terms and conditions of the solicitation may be excluded from consideration.

The right to make multiple or no award is reserved in the event it is advantageous to the Government to do so.

xii. Submission Due: 2/17/2025 at 11:00 a.m. EST

xiii. Point of Contacts:

a. David Hester, david.hester@va.gov

xiv. It is the responsibility of the offeror to review the posting for any changes or amendments that may occur concerning this RFQ. It is the responsibility of the offeror to ensure all proposals and/or questions are submitted in a timely manner by specified due date.

xv. Mandatory Registrations. To be eligible for award, registration with the System for

Award Management (SAM). If this requirement is a SDVOSB set aside, the Offeror shall have an active and current registration in VetCert, at the time of submission and will maintain its status throughout the performance of the contract.

xvi. Notice to Offeror. The Government reserves the right to cancel this RFQ, either before or after suspense date. In the event the Government cancels this solicitation, the

Government has no obligation to reimburse an offeror for any costs. The contractor shall not request, nor will the Government make, payments for any preliminary measurement, quotes, bids, site visit, time or proposal cost incurred.

https://www.acquisition.gov/ mailto:david.hester@va.gov https://sam.gov/content/home https://sam.gov/content/home https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/

Document Number: 36C78625Q50132 PROCESSED Page 3 of 63

Table of Contents

Section Description Page Number

1 Continuation Sheet 1 - Tree Maintenance Statement of Work 2 - Map 3 - Tree Maintenance Eval Criteria

2 Contract Clauses 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) 52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (Nov 2023) 52.204-9 Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel (Jan 2011) 52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance (Oct 2018) 52.204-15 Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (Oct 2016) 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2023) 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders- Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Jan 2025) 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-System for Award Management (Oct 2018)

852.203-70 COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING (MAY 2018)

852.204-70 PERSONAL IDENTITY VERIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL (MAY

2020)

852.219-73 VA NOTICE OF TOTAL SET-ASIDE FOR VERIFIED SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES (NOV 2022)

852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV 2018)

852.242-71 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICER (OCT 2020)

3 Documents, Exhibits, or Attachments 2015-5147 Wage Determination.pdf

4 Solicitation Provisions 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) 52.204-7 System for Award Management (Nov 2024) 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Sep 2023) 52.212-2 Evaluation-Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2021) 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial Services (May 2024)

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Section 1 - Continuation Sheet

Number Supplies or Services Qty Unit Unit Price Total (Inc. disc., tax, and fees)

0001 See Description Below

PSC: S208

LANDSCAPING/

GROUNDSKEEPING

SERVICES

20.000000 EA

Description: Provide all labor, tools, materials, and equipment necessary to accomplish tree and/or stump removal, pruning, trimming, cabling, cavity repair, root pruning, and the removal and disposal of resulting waste and debris on a one-time basis.

Period of Performance: 02/01/2025 - 09/30/2025

Reference Line: F364410-25-2000003 - 0001

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SCOPE OF WORK

National Cemetery Administration

Biloxi National Cemetery

Biloxi, MS 39531

Tree Trimming and Removal

A. GENERAL INFORMATION:

The Department of Veteran Affairs, National Cemetery Administration intends to award a firm, fixed price contract for the procurement of tree maintenance services at Biloxi National Cemetery and hereafter referred to as “Cemetery”. The Contractor(s) gaining award shall provide all labor, tools, materials, and equipment necessary to accomplish tree and/or stump removal, pruning, trimming, cabling, cavity repair, root pruning, and the removal and disposal of resulting waste and debris for the National Cemeteries listed below, on a one-time basis. The contractor shall provide all professional advice/guidance, parts, materials, equipment, and personnel, to provide these services.

1. LOCATION:

These services will be performed at the following location:

Biloxi National Cemetery

400 Veterans Avenue, Bldg 1001

Biloxi, MS 39531-2410

2. SITE VISIT:

Offerors / quoters are required to inspect all sites where services are to be performed to verify the work involved and satisfy them regarding all general and local conditions that may affect the cost of contract performance. In no event shall failure to inspect the sites constitute grounds for a claim after contract award.

Visits to the site by bidders may be made only by appointment with the COR or authorized designee of the Cemetery. To conduct a site visit, you must contact one of the following cemetery personnel to make arrangements:

Bill Simmons, Gardener (228) 388-6668

Stuart Baxter, Foreman (228) 388-6668

Albert Maxwell, Cemetery Director (228) 388-6668

Facsimile # (228) 523-5784

3. WORK SUMMARY:

As indicated on the Tree Worksheet (Attachment A) and CLIN Sheet (Attachment B), work to be done to trees shall consist of one or more of the following; tree removal, pruning, trimming, stump removal, and removal and disposal of resulting waste and debris.

- Seventeen (17) large trees (over 40 feet in height OR over 24 inches in DBH) are to receive

Routine Pruning.

- One (1) large tree (over 40 feet in height OR over 24 inches in DBH) is to receive Deadwood

Pruning 1.

- Two (2) large trees (over 40 feet in height OR over 24 inches in DBH) are to be Removed.

4. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

The period of performance for this contract will be from award of contract and/or notice to proceed, until accepted completion by Government which will be no longer than a period of sixty (60) calendar days.

B. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND STATEMENT OF WORK:

1. CERTIFIED ARBORIST:

A “Certified Arborist” shall serve as the “site manager” for this contract and will be provided by

Document Number: 36C78625Q50132 PROCESSED Page 6 of 63 the Contractor work is being performed - other than trash and debris pick-up. The certified arborist must be certified by International Society of Arboriculture, or other acceptable national or state certifying agency, society, or association. The Contractor shall submit the arborist’s current certificate to the COR prior to commencing work. The Certified Arborist must have at least three (3) years’ experience as a direct supervisor of a commercial tree maintenance operation that included removal, trimming, and stump removal in commercial, industrial, or public sites. The Certified

Arborist will ensure all specifications are being met, ensure contract work does not conflict with ceremonies and funerals, and ensure employees are adequately supervised and proper conduct is maintained . Any proposed personnel change for the Certified Arborist shall be approved a minimum of ten (10) business days prior to any tree work.

2. TREE MAINTENANCE CATEGORIES:

Tree work is categorized into CLINs by size and maintenance categories.

a. Size Categories:

Small – Trees in this category are 25 feet or less in height AND 12 inches or less in DBH.

Medium – Trees in this category are between 25 and 40 feet in height OR their DBH is between 12 and 24 inches.

Large – Trees in this category exceed 40 feet in height OR 24 inches in DBH.

b. Maintenance Categories:

Deadwood Pruning 1 – Trees in this category will have any deadwood and/or broken branches removed that pose a potential risk that may result in personal injury or property damage. This category includes any trees that contain broken, hanging, dead, or otherwise potentially dangerous limbs generally greater than 4” in diameter or any trees with a significant number of dead branches that require removal. Deadwood pruning requires the removal of all deadwood present in the tree (4) inches in diameter and less.

Deadwood Pruning 2 – Trees in this category will require pruning to remove deadwood and broken branches or living branches to improve the structural integrity of the tree. This category includes any tree with broken, hanging, dead, or otherwise potentially dangerous limbs generally greater than 2” but less than 4” in diameter. Deadwood pruning requires the removal of all deadwood present in the tree (2) inches in diameter and less.

Routine Pruning – Trees in this category include any larger trees (over 20’ in height) with minor amounts of deadwood less than 2” in diameter or with correctable structural problems. Any large trees whose growth pattern may obstruct or interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic clearance, traffic control devices, lines of sight, or overhead traffic lines are included in this category. Work under Routine Pruning shall remove 20 to 25% of the tree’s total leaf area by means of one or combination of:

- crown thinning: the selective removal of dead, diseased, broken or weakly attached branches (Crown Cleaning); and the removal of branches to increase light penetration and air movement through the crown; thinning towards the branch tip to reduce the wind-sail effect of foliar clumps in the crown; and thinning to relieve the weight of heavy limbs.

- crown cleaning: The selective removal of dead, diseased, broken or weakly attached branches of any size, and aerial roots. This constitutes regular landscape maintenance pruning that will correct small growth problems before they become larger, more costly problems.

- crown reduction: Pruning to reduce the size of the tree and to provide a symmetrical shape to the tree crown.

- crown raising: The removal of the lower branch of a tree to provide clearance for buildings, signs, vehicles, pedestrians and vistas.

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Training Pruning – Trees in this category include young or small trees less than 20’ in height that are in need of training pruning to reduce future structural problems that are listed under routine pruning. Trees with growth patterns that will eventually obstruct or interfere with turf growth and health, pedestrian or vehicular traffic clearance, and, lines of sight are also included in this category.

Removal – Trees in this category are dead, dying, and diseased or have suffered extensive storm damage and require complete removal, to include stump removal.

Stump Removal - Tree has been removed but stump remains and requires removal.

3. TREE REMOVAL/STUMP GRINDING:

a. Existing trees and stumps indicated on the Tree Work Sheet (See Attachment A) for removal shall be cut down under the instruction/guidance of a Contractor provided Certified Arborist.

b. All trees shall be topped prior to falling and all limbs over 3 ½” in diameter must be lowered to the ground by ropes. The Contractor shall take every precaution to prevent any falling branches or trees from damaging any headstones, adjacent plant material or structures.

c. The stumps are to be ground to a minimum of 6” and a maximum of 8" below soil level, or to the lateral roots, if reached before the specific depth. The Contractor shall never grind the stumps to the depth that would interfere with the roots of any adjacent tree(s) that the Government will retain.

The cavity of the stump is to be filled with high quality, weed free topsoil and tamped to meet the existing grade.

d. All wood, chip particles, and debris from the tree and stump removal shall be cleaned up thoroughly and removed from the cemetery grounds.

e. Any damage or breakage during the performance of these services by the Contractor shall be repaired, replaced, given remedial and/or corrective treatment and cleaned up by the Contractor at the Government’s satisfaction and at no additional cost to the Government.

4. PRUNING/TRIMMING STANDARDS:

a. All work shall comply with: Best Management Practices: Tree Pruning (2018 ISA or latest edition) companion publication to the ANSI A300 (Part 1) -2017 or latest edition: Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Maintenance – Standard Practices, Pruning.

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

c. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that when reducing the tree height and spread, he/she shall retain the natural shape of the tree by removing the entire lateral branches back to their point of origin also known as drop crotching or thinning.

d. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that all limbs one inch in diameter or over must be precut to prevent splitting. All branches and/or tree material 3 1/2" in diameter or larger shall be lowered by proper lowering methods, such as using ropes.

e. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that all trees shall be pruned and shaped to retain the trees natural crown characteristics and patterns.

f. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that all trees shall have the live branches removed to permit penetration of sunlight and circulation of air through the canopy in conjunction to the aesthetic appearance, natural crown characteristics, and growth patterns.

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

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

i. The Contractor is responsible for reporting to the COR all of the following conditions: when old

Document Number: 36C78625Q50132 PROCESSED Page 8 of 63 scars are not healing properly; where callus growth is not already established; visible girdling roots, and when there are any structural weaknesses such as but not limited to decayed trunk or branches, and split trunk/branch crotches.

j. The following methods of pruning are NOT acceptable therefore, the contractor is responsible to ensure that these methods are never performed: topping, heading-back, stubbing, de-horning, lion-tailing, and pollarding.

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

l. In general, the Contractor shall ensure when reducing the size of a tree and with respect to retaining the tree’s natural crown characteristics and patterns, not more than 1/4 of the total area shall be reduced at a single operation, unless instructed in writing to do so by the COR.

m. The Contractor is required to dispose of all debris and other waste materials generated by his/her work at a licensed off-site landfill or recycling center, unless otherwise directed in writing by the

COR. NOTE: The Government shall NOT provide receptacle(s) for disposal of debris related to this contract.

n. The contractor will take all necessary precautions to prevent damage to trees while performing pruning. The use of climbing spikes is prohibited, unless prior permission is obtained from the

COR in writing, and on a tree by tree basis. This permission will only be granted in cases where there are no other means to access the work to be performed, as determined by the COR.

C. WORK HOURS AND MEETINGS:

All work shall be performed during the normal working hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), Monday through

Friday, except with the written permission of the COR. All work shall be scheduled and coordinated with the

COR. When emergency situations are caused by the Contractor, then he/she shall make arrangements with the

COR to work on weekends to correct/eliminate the emergency in order to meet the period of performance.

The Government shall not compensate the Contractor for emergency situations caused by the Contractor.

D. RECORD KEEPING AND REPORTING:

1. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining all necessary and current licenses, Arborist certification, permits, vehicular insurance and registration, Workman’s

Compensatory Liability Insurance, property liability insurance etc., prior to the start date of these services. The Contractor gaining award shall provide the Contracting Officer copies of these required documents immediately after award of contract.

2. UTILITY LINES COMPLIANCE: Where pruning/stump grinding/tree removal conflicts with existing utility/service lines (above ground/below ground), the corresponding utilities company/cemetery staff shall be notified and the Contractor shall obtain any necessary permits/ blue prints and cooperate with the utilities company/cemetery staff to avoid any damage or liability, and provide a safe work environment for his/her employees.

3. INSPECTION: At the completion of the work, the COR shall inspect the contracted tree maintenance in the company of the Contractor’s site manager. Work determined by the COR to be incomplete shall be completed by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government. Disputes arising regarding the status of the work will be reported to the CO for final resolution.

E. GENERAL CONDITIONS:

1. The Contractor is responsible to ensure that all work shall be done in a manner that safeguards all VA visitors, employees, and public. The Contractor shall be solely responsible for any and all actions initiated and/or completed by his/her employees. Furthermore, the Contractor and his/her employees shall have a clear understanding of, and be sensitive to, such environmental issues as ground water contamination, wetlands, etc., and be consistent and fully compliant with all applicable Federal, State, County and City laws, ordinances, Right-to-Know laws, EPA guidelines, and regulations.

2. The Contractor shall be responsible for cleaning any cemetery structures that are soiled or stained as a result of Contractor’s performance. The Contractor shall wash-down with water all soiled or stained structures and grounds at the end of each workday. No hazardous chemicals are to be used at

Document Number: 36C78625Q50132 PROCESSED Page 9 of 63 anytime on Government property. The Contractor shall bear all costs associated with washing and cleaning. Any such washing/cleaning shall be brought to the immediate attention of the COR prior to washing/cleaning.

3. At the end of each day the Contractor shall remove all debris from the cemetery site resulting from the work, unless otherwise specified by the COR. The Contractor shall ensure at all times that rubbish and trash generated by the Contractor is kept clear of vehicular and pedestrian traffic throughout the site. NOTE: The Government shall NOT provide receptacle(s) for disposal of debris related to this contract.

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

5. 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 any other Contractors and with

Government employees and shall carefully adapt scheduling and performance of work, needing any direction, it shall be provided by the COR. The Contractor is responsible for reporting to the COR any problems or questions that may arise with any other personnel on site during the period of performance of this contract. The Contractor shall not take it upon him or herself to resolve any problems or issues with other on-site Contractors or employees, but rather will leave it to the COR to resolve the issue.

6. The Contractor shall not operate trucks, tractors, and other heavy equipment on any turf area except when authorized in writing by the COR. Contractor shall “Board-in” and “board-out” when moving heavy equipment over turf. That is, the Contractor shall place plywood sheets or mud tracks to protect turf from damage from heavy equipment. Protection boards shall be removed from turf by the close of business each day to avoid damaging turf.

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

8. The Government shall not be responsible for any loss, damage, or theft of contractor items.

Contractor shall be responsible for acceptable standards of housekeeping and custodial maintenance of Department of Veterans Affairs facilities used by Contractor's employees.

9. Electricity and water will be furnished by the Government.

10. The COR may designate an area for the Contractor to use to store a limited amount of supplies or equipment, if available.

11. The COR will designate an area for Contractor employees to take lunch and other breaks.

F. DAMAGE TO GOVERNMENT PROPERTY:

1. Contractors shall be responsible for replacement of any cemetery structure, to include: turf, curb, road pavement, headstone or marker, valve boxes, control markers, sprinkler heads, which is chipped, marred, damaged and/or ruined at the fault of the Contractor. The Contractor shall bear all costs associated with replacement and reinstallation. Any such damage shall be brought to the immediate attention of the appointed COR prior to repair/replacement/installation.

G. CONTRACTOR-FURNISHED ITEMS:

1. The Contractor is responsible for supplying all equipment, personnel, tools, supplies and materials to perform these services. All pruning tools shall be kept sharp and properly functioning.

2. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all of his/her motor vehicles and equipment meet State inspection, safety, licensing, registration, and insurance requirements.

H. CONTRACTOR CONDUCT: Contractor personnel shall:

1. Be required to adhere to the following standards of dress, conduct, supervision and training while performing work on Government property. It shall be subject to immediate enforcement action by the

Contracting Officer if these standards are not adhered to during the period of performance of this contract. Contractor shall be responsible for training and safety precautions prescribed by OSHA regarding safety equipment and devices.

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2. Be fully clothed at all times, to include upper garment to cover body from the waist to the neck and long pants or slacks. Garments, which have a message, or printing of any kind other than the

Contractor’s business attire, are prohibited. Uniforms are acceptable.

3. Maintain a neat and professional appearance throughout its workforce, vehicles, equipment, and maintenance areas. Uniforms are acceptable. If uniforms are used, they must be in unison among all employees.

4. The Contractor/personnel shall not engage in loud or boisterous behavior, angry outbursts or use profane or abusive language at anytime on Government premises. Playing radios and/or electronic games/devices, shall only be done at lunchtime and in a designated break area. Due to the sensitive mission of the cemetery, Contractor employees will come into daily contact with grieving individuals, therefore Contractor employees will exercise and exhibit absolute decorum, courtesy, and respect while within the cemetery or at its perimeter or entrances. Inquiries from cemetery visitors shall be politely referred to Government cemetery staff. Gratuities of any kind are strictly prohibited.

5. Consume food and beverage only within areas designated by the COR. Intoxication, and violence or criminal acts of any kind will not be tolerated - and is cause for immediate removal from Government property. Use or sale of intoxicating beverages and/or drugs is strictly prohibited, and use of tobacco products is only allowed in specific areas designated by the COR.

6. Contractor employees shall only take breaks/rest periods and lunch breaks at the Contractor Staging

Area, not in the field. Workers are to utilize contractor provided temporary chemical toilet facilities located only in the Contractor Staging Area. Misconduct shall form the basis for immediate contract enforcement action, to include immediate removal from the cemetery.

7. Worker parking: Parking is limited. The COR will designate an area for all contract employees to park. Workers are not allowed to park throughout the cemetery grounds, and violation of this requirement shall form the basis for immediate contract enforcement action, to include immediate removal from the cemetery.

8. The Contractor shall be responsible to ensure that his/her employees (including contractor’s consultants, subcontractors, etc.) are aware of all the terms and conditions set forth above in this solicitation package regarding their performance and conduct during the performance period of this contract.

End of Scope of Work

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ATTACHMENTS

Attachment A Tree Worksheet for Biloxi National Cemetery

Attachment B CLIN Sheet for Biloxi National Cemetery

Attachment C Site Plan for Biloxi National Cemetery

Document Number: 36C78625Q50132 PROCESSED Page 12 of 63

Attachment A

Tree Worksheet for Biloxi National Cemetery

Individual Tree

Section Location Species

DBH

(inches) Height (feet)

CLIN Description

1 MX Yard Live Oak 31 Over

Large Tree Deadwood Pruning 1;

Potential fuel contamination.

Prune for health and recovery.

2 LL 8 Live Oak 21 Over

001 Large Tree Removal; diseased

3 KK Road Live Oak 22 Over

001 Large Tree Removal

4 II 1 Live Oak 20 Over

002 Large Tree Routine Pruning

5 C 101 Water

Oak

Over

Large Tree Routine Pruning;

remove mistletoe growth

6 F 174A Live Oak 23 Over

002 Large Tree Routine Pruning

7 II 150 Live Oak 23 Over

002 Large Tree Routine Pruning

8 F 485 Live Oak 26 Over

002 Large Tree Routine Pruning

9 II 12 Live Oak 26 Over

002 Large Tree Routine Pruning

10 Z R1G3 Live Oak 28 Over

Large Tree Routine Pruning; On corner of road

11 CBA W2 Live Oak 29 Over

002 Large Tree Routine Pruning

12 B 1B Live Oak 30 Over

002 Large Tree Routine Pruning

13 LL 20 Live Oak 30 Over

002 Large Tree Routine Pruning

14 B 200C Live Oak 31 Over

002 Large Tree Routine Pruning

15 BB 67 Live Oak 32 Over

002 Large Tree Routine Pruning

16 F 90F Live Oak 33 Over

002 Large Tree Routine Pruning

17 LL 1 Live Oak 38 Over

002 Large Tree Routine Pruning

18 MA 57A Live Oak 47 Over

002 Large Tree Routine Pruning

19 F 269B Live Oak 50 Over

002 Large Tree Routine Pruning

20 F 209C Live Oak 59 Over

002 Large Tree Routine Pruning

Document Number: 36C78625Q50132 PROCESSED Page 13 of 63

Attachment B

CLIN Sheet for Biloxi National Cemetery

CLIN DESCRIPTION QTY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

Large Tree Removal – height >40' AND DBH >24"; tree removal, stump removal, topsoil fill, cleanup and disposal of debris

2 EA. $_________ $________________

Large Tree Routine Pruning – height >40' AND DBH >24"; tree pruning, cleanup and disposal of debris

17 EA. $_________ $________________

Large Tree Deadwood Pruning 1 – height >40' AND DBH >24"; tree pruning, cleanup and disposal of debris

1 EA. $_________ $________________

TOTAL AMOUNT = $___________________

Document Number: 36C78625Q50132 PROCESSED Page 14 of 63

Attachment C

Site Plan for Biloxi National Cemetery

Tree maintenance locations indicated.

Number (1,2,3…) indicates number of trees at location.

Letter indicates size: S = small; M = medium; L = large.

Color indicates maintenance required: red = removal; orange = stump removal; green = training pruning; pink = routine pruning; blue = deadwood pruning 2; purple = deadwood pruning 1.

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2L

1L

1L

3L

1L

1L

5L

1L 2L

1L

1L

1L

Document Number: 36C78625Q50132 PROCESSED Page 16 of 63

Source Selection Plan / Evaluation Factors

Biloxi National Cemetery – Tree Maintenance

I. BACKGROUND

A. Purpose. The purpose of this Source Selection Plan is to set forth the process by which the NCA

Contracting Office will evaluate offers received in response to the solicitation for Tree

Maintenance at Biloxi National Cemetery.

B. Source selection approach. This plan covers the approach for soliciting and evaluating offers, provides the source selection organizational structure, and designates persons who will perform the evaluation.

II. BASIS OF AWARD: This procurement is being conducted pursuant to FAR Part 13 procedures.

The Government intends to award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror who offers the lowest price, whose quoted price is found to be reasonable, and whose quote is found to be technically acceptable when considering the non-price evaluation factors described below. Offerors who fail to meet any technical acceptability evaluation factors below will not be eligible to receive contract award.

III. EVALUTION FACTORS

1) Factor 1: Technical Approach and Understanding of the Work: Proposal 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. The proposal shall be more than restating the SOW.

Technical approach will be evaluated for the following:

a) Contractor-provided statements and/or literature that clearly explains their experience, approach and/or abilities to perform the tasks described in the Statement of Work (SOW).

b) Arborist Certification from International Society of Arboriculture

c) Resume for Certified Arborist demonstrating a minimum of three (3) years’ experience as a direct supervisor of a commercial tree maintenance operation that included removal, trimming, and stump removal in commercial, industrial, or public sites.

2) Factor 2: Past Performances: Past performance shall be evaluated based on the Contractor’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.

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

b) Contractor’s past performance descriptions of a minimum of 3 recent (within the last 5 years) projects of similar size and scope

c) The Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) at https://www.cpars.gov

d) Any other reasonable basis.

3) Factor 3: Price: Proposed price will be evaluated for LPTA and completeness/accuracy in the provided CLIN structure.

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Section 2 - Contract Clauses

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):

www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far (FAR) www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/index.asp (VAAR) [Insert one or more Internet addresses]

(End of clause)

52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (Nov 2023)

(a) This contract and employees working on this contract will be subject to the whistleblower rights and remedies established at 41 U.S.C. 4712 and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 3.900 through 3.905.

(b) The Contractor shall inform its employees in writing, in the predominant language of the workforce, of employee whistleblower rights and protections under 41 U.S.C. 4712, as described in FAR 3.900 through 3.905.

(c) The Contractor shall insert the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (c), in all subcontracts.

(End of clause)

52.204-9 Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel (Jan 2011)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with agency personal identity verification procedures identified in the contract that implement Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance M-05-24 and Federal Information Processing Standards Publication (FIPS PUB) Number 201.

(b) The Contractor shall account for all forms of Government-provided identification issued to the Contractor employees in connection with performance under this contract. The Contractor shall return such identification to the issuing agency at the earliest of any of the following, unless otherwise determined by the Government:

(1) When no longer needed for contract performance.

(2) Upon completion of the Contractor employee's employment.

(3) Upon contract completion or termination.

(c) The Contracting Officer may delay final payment under a contract if the Contractor fails to comply with these requirements.

(d) The Contractor shall insert the substance of this clause, including this paragraph (d), in all subcontracts when the subcontractor's employees are required to have routine physical access to a Federally-controlled facility and/or routine access to a Federally-controlled information system. It shall be the responsibility of the prime Contractor to return such identification to the issuing agency in accordance with the terms set forth in paragraph (b) of this section, unless otherwise approved in writing by the Contracting Officer.

(End of clause)

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

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause--

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"Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) indicator" means a four-character suffix to the unique entity identifier. The suffix is assigned at the discretion of the commercial, nonprofit, or Government entity to establish additional System for Award Management (SAM) records for identifying alternative EFT accounts (see subpart 32.11) for the same entity.

"Registered in the System for Award Management (SAM)" means that--

(1) The Contractor has entered all mandatory information, including the unique entity identifier and the EFT indicator (if applicable), the Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code, as well as data required by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (see subpart 4.14), into the SAM;

(2) The Contractor has completed the Core, Assertions, Representations and Certifications, and Points of Contact sections of the registration in SAM;

(3) The Government has validated all mandatory data fields, to include validation of the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The Contractor will be required to provide consent for TIN validation to the Government as a part of the SAM registration process; and

(4) The Government has marked the record "Active".

"System for Award Management (SAM)" means the primary Government repository for prospective Federal awardee and Federal awardee information and the centralized Government system for certain contracting, grants, and other assistance-related processes. It includes--

(1) Data collected from prospective Federal awardees required for the conduct of business with the Government;

(2) Prospective contractor-submitted annual representations and certifications in accordance with FAR subpart 4.12; and

(3) Identification of those parties excluded from receiving Federal contracts, certain subcontracts, and certain types of Federal financial and non-financial assistance and benefits.

"Unique entity identifier" means a number or other identifier used to identify a specific commercial, nonprofit, or Government entity.

See www.sam.gov for the designated entity for establishing unique entity identifiers.

(b) If the solicitation for this contract contained the provision 52.204-7 with its Alternate I, and the Contractor was unable to register prior to award, the Contractor shall be registered in SAM within 30 days after award or before three days prior to submission of the first invoice, whichever occurs first.

(c) The Contractor shall maintain registration in SAM during contract performance and through final payment of any contract, basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, or blanket purchasing agreement. The Contractor is responsible for the currency, accuracy and completeness of the data within SAM, and for any liability resulting from the Government's reliance on inaccurate or incomplete data.

To remain registered in SAM after the initial registration, the Contractor is required to review and update on an annual basis, from the date of initial registration or subsequent updates, its information in SAM to ensure it is current, accurate and complete. Updating information in SAM does not alter the terms and conditions of this contract and is not a substitute for a properly executed contractual document.

(d) (1) (i) If a Contractor has legally changed its business name or "doing business as" name (whichever is shown on the contract), or has transferred the assets used in performing the contract, but has not completed the necessary requirements regarding novation and change-of-name agreements in subpart 42.12, the Contractor shall provide the responsible Contracting Officer a minimum of one business day's written notification of its intention to--

(A) Change the name in SAM;

(B) Comply with the requirements of subpart 42.12 of the FAR; and

(C) Agree in writing to the timeline and procedures specified by the responsible Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall provide with the notification sufficient documentation to support the legally changed name.

(ii) If the Contractor fails to comply with the requirements of paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this clause, or fails to perform the agreement at paragraph (d)(1)(i)(C) of this clause, and, in the absence of a properly executed novation or change-of-name agreement, the SAM information that shows the Contractor to be other than the Contractor indicated in the contract will be considered to be incorrect

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(2) The Contractor shall not change the name or address for EFT payments or manual payments, as appropriate, in SAM record to reflect an assignee for the purpose of assignment of claims (see FAR subpart 32.8, Assignment of Claims). Assignees shall be separately registered in the SAM. Information provided to the Contractor's SAM record that indicates payments, including those made by EFT, to an ultimate recipient other than that Contractor will be considered to be incorrect information within the meaning of the "Suspension of Payment" paragraph of the EFT clause of this contract.

(3) The Contractor shall ensure that the unique entity identifier is maintained with the entity designated at www.sam.gov for establishment of the unique entity identifier throughout the life of the contract. The Contractor shall communicate any change to the unique entity identifier to the Contracting Officer within 30 days after the change, so an appropriate modification can be issued to update the data on the contract. A change in the unique entity identifier does not necessarily require a novation be accomplished.

(e) Contractors may obtain additional information on registration and annual confirmation requirements at https://www.sam.gov.

(End of clause)

52.204-15 Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (Oct 2016)

(a) Definitions.

"First-tier subcontract" means a subcontract awarded directly by the Contractor for the purpose of acquiring supplies or services (including construction) for performance of a prime contract. It does not include the Contractor's supplier agreements with vendors, such as long-term arrangements for materials or supplies that benefit multiple contracts and/or the costs of which are normally applied to a Contractor's general and administrative expenses or indirect costs.

(b) The Contractor shall report, in accordance with paragraphs (c) and (d) of this clause, annually by October 31, for services performed during the preceding Government fiscal year (October 1-September 30) under this contract for orders that exceed the thresholds established in 4.1703(a)(2).

(c) The Contractor shall report the following information:

(1) Contract number and order number.

(2) The total dollar amount invoiced for services performed during the previous Government fiscal year under the order.

(3) The number of Contractor direct labor hours expended on the services performed during the previous Government fiscal year.

(4) Data reported by subcontractors under paragraph (f) of this clause.

(d) The information required in paragraph (c) of this clause shall be submitted via the internet at www.sam.gov. (See SAM User Guide). If the Contractor fails to submit the report in a timely manner, the Contracting Officer will exercise appropriate contractual remedies. In addition, the Contracting Officer will make the Contractor's failure to comply with the reporting requirements a part of the Contractor's performance information under FAR subpart 42.15.

(e) Agencies will review Contractor reported information for reasonableness and consistency with available contract information. In the event the agency believes that revisions to the Contractor reported information are warranted, the agency will notify the Contractor no later than November 15. By November 30, the Contractor shall revise the report, or document its rationale for the agency.

(f) (1) The Contractor shall require each first-tier subcontractor providing services under this contract, with subcontract(s) each valued at or above the thresholds set forth in 4.1703(a)(2), to provide the following detailed information to the Contractor in sufficient time to submit the report:

(i) Subcontract number (including subcontractor name and unique entity identifier), and

(ii) The number of first-tier subcontractor direct-labor hours expended on the services performed during the previous Government fiscal year.

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(2) The Contractor shall advise the subcontractor that the information will be made available to the public as required by section 743 of Division C of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010.

(End of clause)

52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2023)

(a) Inspection/Acceptance. The Contractor shall only tender for acceptance those items that conform to the requirements of this contract. The Government reserves the right to inspect or test any supplies or services that have been tendered for acceptance. The Government may require repair or replacement of nonconforming supplies or reperformance of nonconforming services at no increase in contract price. If repair/replacement or reperformance will not correct the defects or is not possible, the Government may seek an equitable price reduction or adequate consideration for acceptance of nonconforming supplies or services. The Government must exercise its post-acceptance rights--

(1) Within a reasonable time after the defect was discovered or should have been discovered; and

(2) Before any substantial change occurs in the condition of the item, unless the change is due to the defect in the item.

(b) Assignment. The Contractor or its assignee may assign its rights to receive payment due as a result of performance of this contract to a bank, trust company, or other financing institution, including any Federal lending agency in accordance with the Assignment of Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3727). However, when a third party makes payment (e.g., use of the Governmentwide commercial purchase card), the Contractor may not assign its rights to receive payment under this contract.

(c) Changes. Changes in the terms and conditions of this contract may be made only by written agreement of the parties.

(d) Disputes. This contract is subject to 41 U.S.C. chapter 71, Contract Disputes. Failure of the parties to this contract to reach agreement on any request for equitable adjustment, claim, appeal or action arising under or relating to this contract shall be a dispute to be resolved in accordance with the clause at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.233-1, Disputes, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any dispute arising under the contract.

(e) Definitions. The clause at FAR 52.202-1, Definitions, is incorporated herein by reference.

(f) Excusable delays. The Contractor shall be liable for default unless nonperformance is caused by an occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the Contractor and without its fault or negligence such as, acts of God or the public enemy, acts of the Government in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, unusually severe weather, and delays of common carriers. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing as soon as it is reasonably possible after the commencement of any excusable delay, setting forth the full particulars in connection therewith, shall remedy such occurrence with all reasonable dispatch, and shall promptly give written notice to the Contracting Officer of the cessation of such occurrence.

(g) Invoice.

(1) The Contractor shall submit an original invoice and three copies (or electronic invoice, if authorized) to the address designated in the contract to receive invoices. An invoice must include--

(i) Name and address of the Contractor;

(ii) Invoice date and number;

(iii) Contract number, line item number and, if applicable, the order number;

(iv) Description, quantity, unit of measure, unit price and extended price of the items delivered;

(v) Shipping number and date of shipment, including the bill of lading number and weight of shipment if shipped on Government bill of lading;

(vi) Terms of any discount for prompt payment offered;

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(vii) Name and address of official to whom payment is to be sent;

(viii) Name, title, and phone number of person to notify in event of defective invoice; and

(ix) Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). The Contractor shall include its TIN on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(x) Electronic funds transfer (EFT) banking information.

(A) The Contractor shall include EFT banking information on the invoice only if required elsewhere in this contract.

(B) If EFT banking information is not required to be on the invoice, in order for the invoice to be a proper…