Sources Sought - 36C78625Q50344 - Chemical - Florida NC.docx

SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS ONLY

The purpose of this synopsis is to gain knowledge of potential qualified sources and their size classification (HUBZone, 8(a), small, small disadvantage, veteran owned small business (VOSB), service-disabled veteran owned small business (SDVOSB), or large business) relative to: NAICS 325311, Nitrogenous Fertilizer Manufacturing, with size standards of 1,050 Employees.

Note that if VA’s pending market research establishes that two or more SDVOSB or VOSB, who are certified on SBA’s VetCert, Veteran Small Business Certification (sba.gov), can perform the project at a fair and reasonable price, VA will set aside the underlying solicitation per 38 U.S.C. §8127.

Responses to this synopsis will be used by the Government to make appropriate acquisition decisions. After review of the responses to this Sources Sought Synopsis, a solicitation announcement may be published on SAM.gov and/or GSA eBuy. Responses to this Sources Sought Synopsis are not considered adequate responses to the solicitation announcement.

Complete the information requested below and attach any pertinent documents/ information necessary.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) has a requirement to establish a contract for the deliver quantities of fertilizers and chemicals to Florida National Cemetery. All fertilizers and chemicals will be brand name or equal to in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.211-6 and Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) Clause 852.211-73. Performance includes FOB Destination, unloaded on site.

PARTICIPATING FACILITIES:

Florida National Cemetery Avenue Cementerio Nacional 6502 SW 102nd Bushnell, FL 33513

The intent is to establish a firm fixed price for 1 year.

In response to this announcement, please complete the information below and return to Janice.Brooks@va.gov by 8/11/2025 by 10:00 a.m. CST.

Company Name:

Address:

Contact Name:

Phone No:

Email:

Cage Code and/or SAM Unique ID:

Business size information

Select all that applies:

☐ Small Business ☐ Emerging Small Business ☐ Small Disadvantaged Business ☐ Certified under Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act ☐ HubZone ☐ Woman Owned ☐ Certified Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small in Vetbiz.gov ☐ Certified Veteran Owned Small Business in Vetbiz.gov ☐ Large Business ☐ Other:

Comment:

Comment:

If yes, please identify which companies are considering a Joint Venture and the ownership of each company.

Landscaping Services

NAICS: 561730

Contract Number:

Vendor Name:

Cage Code and/or SAM Unique ID:

This notice is neither a request for competitive proposal nor solicitation of offerors. This notice is to assist the NCA in determining sources only and a solicitation is not currently available. If a solicitation is issued it will be announced at a later date, and all interested parties must respond to that solicitation announcement separately from this response. Responses to this Sources Sought Synopsis is not a request to be added to a prospective bidders list or to receive a copy of the solicitation. Information received as a result of this notice will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. This notice does not represent a commitment by the Government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of information or any other costs incurred as a response to this announcement. Inquiries will only be accepted in writing via email to Janice.Brooks@va.gov by 8/11/2025 by 10:00 AM CST.

STATEMENT OF WORK

FERTILIZERS AND CHEMICALS

FLORIDA NATIONAL CEMETERY

6502 SW 102nd AVE

BUSHNELL, FL 33513

A. PRODUCT

The Contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, materials and supplies required for the deliver quantities of fertilizers and chemicals as set forth to the Florida National Cemetery. All fertilizers and chemicals will be brand name or equal to in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.211-6. Performance includes FOB Destination. Delivery will be scheduled and arranged with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for time upon or after the award of this contract.

Delivery shall be performed Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:30a.m. and 1:30p.m except for Federal Holidays. Alternate schedules may be requested through the (COR) based on the available of cemetery staff to receive delivery of product.

COR will schedule delivery dates with the contractor upon contract being awarded. Dates may change due to the weather and schedule of cemetery operations. All fertilizers and chemicals shall meet or exceed listed within the contract, verified prior to delivery and confirmed by signature receipt upon delivery by authorized cemetery staff.

B. GENERAL REQUIREMENT:

Fertilizer – Granular fertilizer shall be an analysis as listed and contain a Nitrogen (N) source that contains a minimum 30% slow-release nitrogen. An SCU, MCU, Polyon or similar product coating shall be the requirement to meet the minimum 30% slow- release Nitrogen for granular fertilizer. Granular fertilizers shall have the manufacturers label composition; to include brand name, common name, primary plant nutrient guarantee(s) and other essential information as required by State of Florida Department Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Granular fertilizer is subject to review for conformation of manufacturers State of Florida fertilizer production license (FDACS); as required by State of Florida law for manufacturing, distribution and selling of fertilizers.

Chemicals – The cemetery will have a variety of need to meet the maintenance requirements and standards for turf, tree and landscape at Florida National Cemetery. There are a variety of product requirements listed within this contract to maintain the turf, tree and landscaping throughout the cemetery in its entirety. Florida National Cemetery requires a versatile chemical program to meet these requirements as set forth and listed. Generic Chemical substitutions are allowed provided they contain the same active ingredient(s), and same or higher concentrations.

Chemical descriptions are listed in the required unit of measure under Contract Line-Item Numbers (CLINs) 0001-0030 as follows:

1. DAMAGES CAUSED BY CONTRACTOR'S NEGLECT

In the event damages occur to Florida National Cemetery and/or to third parties due to neglect by the contractor during the time of deliveries. Full restitution will be required at no cost to the government and shall be the full responsibility of the contractor of award.

1. DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS

All work shall be performed between the hours of 7:30 am and 1:30 pm ET, Monday through Friday, except for Federal Holidays. Work performed during non-duty hours, weekends, and holidays, shall be at the discretion of the COR based on the available of cemetery staff to receive delivery of product.

The contractor agrees to phase all deliveries in such a manner as not to impact on or interfere with cemetery operations. The COR must be notified if any Florida National Cemetery property, personnel property or other material are required to be moved make delivery of product and/or to avoid any damage while delivering supplies.

1. PERFORMANCE OF WORK ON CEMETERY GROUNDS

Conduct:

Florida National Cemetery is a National Shrine. Personal appearance and conduct shall be professional and unobtrusive. Loud talking, boisterous behavior, or inappropriate language is prohibited. Smoking is not permitted while performing duties at the cemetery. Questions from cemetery visitors shall be politely referred to or directed to cemetery office personnel.

The contractor will observe traffic, parking, directional signs, and regulations when using the cemetery's roadways. Vehicles shall not be driven off the paved roadways onto non-paved areas without first securing permission from the Cemetery Director or COR.

The contractor agrees to leave all delivery areas free of debris and in the same condition as before the product(s) have been successfully delivered to the cemetery. The contractor agrees to take all necessary precautions to protect the grounds, facility, and property as appropriate when making all deliveries of products to cemetery for this contract.

Use of Cemetery Facilities:

Any hazardous substance that is used and which is a standard practice within the cemetery industry must be handled, stored, and transferred in accordance with all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Department of Transportation (DOT) laws, State of Florida Department Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) laws and regulations. Contractors will adhere to all local and federal safety standards.

Performance Ethics:

The Contractor shall be truthful regarding his/her services and qualifications and not make false promises or false claims in advertising. The Contractor shall be fair, honest, impartial, and act in good faith in dealing with the public, government or any other entity as required by law. The Contractor shall keep appointments and be on time as scheduled with minimum of 3 days’ notice prior to any and all deliveries during this contract.

Dress Code for Contractor Employees:

All employees will be dressed in contractor’s company uniform, which includes long/ short sleeved shirts, long pants, and shoes. Tee shirts, tank tops, shorts, and sandals are not acceptable. If caps are worn, they must have contractor logo on the cap, and/or be free of any message or design.

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