S06_36C78626B0004 Amendment 0003.pdf

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER3. 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 CODECODE

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)

1 1

0003 08-20-2026 APR F365700-26-2000027 894NSP25002

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

36C78626B0004

X

X X

X 1

Project Title: National Shrine Project Project Location: Fort Snelling National Cemetery, 7601 34th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55450

The purpose of this amendment is to:

A. Provide answers to the pre-bid RFIs.

1. Do you have the company name and contact for the survey company Fort Snelling used for the most recent surveys provided?

Fort Snelling did not hire a company to conduct surveys.

2. Is it the intent of the documents to install all new sod and grading at the specified sections or only replacing what was disturbed to reset and clean the markers?

2. TOPSOIL SURFACE LEVELING, RENOVATION, AND REESTABLISHMENT OF THE

EXISTING TURFGRASS STAND

2.1. WORK OVERVIEW

2.1.1. This section outlines operational procedures to be followed in sections designated for topsoil surface leveling, renovation, and re-establishment of the existing turfgrass stand. Turf renovation generally includes curb-to-curb renovation unless otherwise directed by the COR. The contractor shall provide all supervision, professional advice/guidance, labor, parts, materials, equipment, and personnel, to provide the services defined herein.

2.1.2. The COR will determine the beginning point and ending points in each gravesite section.

2.2. TOPSOIL AND TURFGRASS RENOVATION PROCESS:

2.2.1. The following renovation process shall begin with the approval of the COR and only when the existing turfgrass is actively growing and not in dormancy.

2.2.2. Mow and trim target area at a 2.5-to-3.0-inch height and remove the grass clippings.

2.2.3. Spray the entire vegetated area with an appropriate non-selective, non-residual, systemic herbicide (such as "Roundup"). Application rate should be the maximum label recommended rate for the complete elimination of perennial grass species and contaminant weeds. IMPORTANT: Application must be made at a time when grass is actively growing for the herbicide to work.

Application to be made by a licensed pesticide applicator. Allow a minimum of ten (10) to fourteen (14) calendar days to elapse for herbicide to fully translocate throughout all plant parts.

2.2.4. The COR will confirm and approve that all vegetation (turfgrass, weeds, etc.) in the treated area is completely dead prior to removal of the dead vegetation. If any vegetation within the treated area is still vital (alive) it shall not be removed.

Re-treat the vegetated area in accordance with paragraph 3.2.3 until the vegetated area is completely dead.

2.2.5. Contractor shall inventory, remove, and store all irrigation heads and cap head risers, if any, within the limits of work. A copy of the inventoried equipment and materials shall be provided to the COR. Protection of any exposed components, risers, etc. that might be damaged by renovation equipment.

2.2.6. Contractor shall locate and inventory all irrigation components: (valve boxes, gate valves, quick couplers, etc.), if any, within the limits of work and protect the location and component access throughout contract work. Provide a copy of the inventoried equipment and materials to the COR.

2.2.7. The Contractor shall be responsible for the replacement of irrigation heads and components, if any, at finish grade, ensuring all irrigation lines and heads are free of foreign matter and operating properly.

2.2.8. Removal of Existing Turf Stand:

2.2.8.a. If minimal thatch (less than 0.5 inch thick layer) is present the dead turf can simply be tilled thoroughly into the soil, ensuring it is thoroughly and finely chopped, and that no clumps of sod or other debris remain on the surface.

EXCEPTION: the killed turf within 20 feet of trees shall be removed and discarded because of the shallow or no tillage requirement there (see 2.2.9.b).

2.2.8.b. If thatch layer is greater than 0.5 inch thick, power rake or verticut entire treated area to loosen and prepare the site for the removal of all residual plant debris including thatch and remove all residual plant debris including thatch.

2.2.9. Topsoil Preparation:

2.2.9.a. Prior to tillage, provide and apply granular fertilizer at a minimum rate of

1.0 - 2.0 - 1.0 pounds per thousand square feet each of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), respectively. Fertilizer shall be commercial grade, free flowing, uniform in composition, and conform to applicable state and federal regulations, and bear the manufacturer's warranted statement of analysis. At least 50% of the N shall be water insoluble or organic. Spread evenly over entire area using any suitable broadcast application device.

2.2.9.b. Rototill area to a minimum depth of 6 inches to uniformly mix fertilizer, amendments, and topsoil and to uniformly loosen top surface for re-grading and leveling. Roto-tilling depth is to be less near trees to prevent damage to tree roots: areas 10-20 feet from trees shall be roto-tilled to a depth of 3 inches, and within 10 feet of trees the areas shall only be surfacegraded/leveled by hand with rakes or other hand tools.

2.2.10. Topsoil Leveling and Grading

2.2.10.a. Grade and compact surface of site to achieve desired finished appearance, which is to be smooth and uniformly level down each row and between each row, free of all surface ripples, depressions, high spots, low areas, ridges. The finish grade for each gravesite section shall be smooth and uniformly level with adjacent gravesite sections and surrounding terrain. New surfaces shall be blended to existing areas.

2.2.10.b. The prepared surface (finish grade) shall be a maximum 1 inch below the adjoining grade of any surfaced area. The prepared surface (finish grade) shall be a nominal 26 inches below the top of all upright headstones or by direction and approval of the COR. See Exhibit (A). In sections with Civil War type (older) upright marble headstones or other non-standard types of headstones exist, coordinate the finish grade in these areas with the COR.

2.2.10.c. In locations where existing burial area surface has formed "ridges" between rows, these areas shall be knocked down by grading between high and low surfaces of the rows, so that finished surface is uniformly flowing from row to row, and down each row. If this process does not achieve desired smooth and uniformly flowing finished grade due to numerous depressions and low or sunken areas in the existing surface grade, import, spread and compact additional high-quality topsoil of similar characteristics and texture to the soil already present on site.

2.2.10.d. Topsoil shall be free of foreign matter, any objects bigger than 25 mm (1 inch) and weed seeds.

2.2.10.e. Apply and compact sufficient topsoil to eliminate all ripples, depressions, and sunken grave areas as needed to achieve the desired smooth and uniformly level finish grade and appearance.

2.2.10.f. Firm the topsoil by rolling with a standard turfgrass roller that is half-full of water. If more weight is required to adequately firm the surface, fill the roller with water and repeat rolling as necessary. Properly firmed soil will show a footprint when walked upon, but will not allow the walker's foot to sink into the soil

2.2.10.g. Protect finished areas from damage by vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

2.2.10.h. Install and maintain erosion control material to meet local environmental regulations.

2.2.10.i. The Contractor shall remove all unusable dirt, rocks, roots and other types of objects from the cemetery grounds at the contractor's expense.

2.2.11. After finish grade has been established, raise all irrigation components and install sprinkler heads, if any, to finish grade. Adjust sprinkler heads to provide full coverage and best distribution uniformity.

2.2.12. Spread a starter fertilizer on the soil surface just prior to laying sod, at a rate sufficient to apply 0.8-1.0 pounds of N, 1.8-2.2 pounds of P, and 0.8-1.0 pounds of K per one thousand square feet (e.g., 8 pounds of 12-25-10 per thousand square feet). The same fertilizer that was used prior to tillage can be used for this additional application.

2.2.13. Turfgrass Sod Transplanting and Installation:

2.2.13.a. Provide certified sod as specified in Exhibit E.

2.2.13.b. Moistening the Soil: During periods of higher than optimal temperature for the species specified, and after all unevenness in the soil surface has been corrected, the soil shall be lightly moistened immediately prior to installation of the turfgrass sod.

2.2.13.c. Starter Strip: The first row of turfgrass sod shall be laid in a straight line, with subsequent rows placed parallel to and tightly against each other.

Lateral joints shall be staggered to promote more uniform growth and strength.

Care shall be exercised to ensure that the pieces are not stretched or overlapped and that all joints are butted tightly to prevent voids that would cause air drying of the roots.

2.2.13.d. Sloping Surfaces: On 3:1 or greater slopes, traditional size (1 sq. yd./ 1

sq. m) turfgrass sod shall be laid across the angle of the slope (perpendicular), with staggered joints and secured by tamping, pegging, stapling or other approved methods of temporarily securing each piece. Large-roll turfgrass sod shall be laid in the direction of the slope, with temporary securing being at the discretion of the installation contractor.

2.2.13.e. Swales and Intermittent Waterways: The installation of turfgrass sod within drain-ways or intermittent waterways shall be determined after considering maximum channel velocities for storms of a designated intensity.

Traditional size turfgrass sod shall be laid perpendicular to the direction of flow and pegged to resist washout during the establishment period, while large-roll pieces shall be laid in the direction of the flow, with temporary securing being at the discretion of the installation contractor.

2.2.13.f. Watering and Rolling: The installation contractor shall water the turfgrass sod immediately after transplanting to prevent drying. As sodding is completed in any one section, the entire area shall be lightly rolled. It shall then be thoroughly watered to a depth sufficient to ensure the underside of the new sod pad and soil immediately below the pad are thoroughly wet. The Contractor shall be responsible for having adequate water available at the site prior to and during installation.

2.2.13.g. All turfgrass sod shall be uniform in color, leaf texture and shoot density and shall be reasonably free of weeds, diseases and other visible imperfections at acceptance.

2.2.14. Turfgrass Sod Establishment:

2.2.14.a. The establishment period for turf shall begin immediately after installation, with the approval of the COR. Maintenance shall be done by the Contractor for at least sixty (60) calendar days with proper mowing, fertilization, pest control, and irrigation as needed until final acceptance is made by the Government. In addition, sod installed during the spring and summer shall be maintained after the sixty (60) calendar day period to at least the same quality (greenness) of established, nearby turf through the rest of the growing season with proper fertilization, pest control, and irrigation as needed. If the sod, all or part, dies during the growing season (unless surrounding turf also dies due to weather extremes) the contractor is responsible to replace the dead sod and the maintenance process begins anew. Any sod laid after September 1 that dies before or is obviously in poorer condition than surrounding, established turf by the following May 1 shall be repaired or replaced by the Contractor and the maintenance process begins anew. After the sod has been established as described the Contractor shall request a Final Inspection in writing to the Contracting Officer and COR.

2.2.14.b. Watering: The Contractor shall work closely with the COR to ensure the new sod is irrigated routinely and as required to ensure complete and satisfactory sod establishment. Apply water at a moderate rate so as not to flood the plants and turf. Soil on sod pads shall be kept moist at all times to maintain moist soil to a depth of at least 4 inches. Sod shall be watered daily for the first ten (10) to fourteen (14) calendar days to avoid dry out. Then, water sod routinely as needed to prevent visual wilt (blue/gray hue). In all cases, Contractor shall coordinate irrigation schedules with the COR.

There may be sections that do not have irrigation installed, in these instances the contractor will be responsible for all watering

2.2.14.c. Eradicate all weeds. Water, fertilize, over-seed, and perform any other operation necessary to promote the growth of grass. Replant areas void of turf0.1 m2 (one square foot) and larger in area. Mow the new lawn at least three

(3) times, prior to the final inspection. Begin mowing when grass is three and one-half (3-1/2) inches high. Mow to a three (3) inch height per each of the three mowing's prior to final inspection. String trim/stick trim the turf around the headstones at least three times, maintaining the same surrounding height of the mowed turf prior to the final inspection. Begin trimming when grass is three and one-half (3-1/2) inches high.

2.2.14.d. Mowing: Mowing shall be performed in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 2.3. The first mowing shall not be attempted until the turfgrass sod is firmly rooted and securely in place. Begin mowing sod when plant height reaches three and one-half (3-1/2) inches to four (4) inches or as otherwise directed by the COR.

2.2.14.e. Germinated weeds must be eliminated by spraying with a typical three-way broadleaf herbicide combination product for broadleaf weeds, and/or with Drive™ herbicide, (or approved equal) for control of crabgrass and broadleaf weeds, or Sedgehammer™ herbicide (or approved equal) for control of sedges.

2.2.15. In areas where turf work has been completed, clear the area of all debris. Any areas damaged during establishment operations must be restored to their original condition. Headstones shall be cleaned per the requirements of section 4.0 Headstone Cleaning.

2.3. MOWING PROCEDURES AND EQUIPMENT FOR TURFGRASS SOD

ESTABLISHMENT

2.3.1. The Contractor shall use rear-discharge mowers or mowers with mulching decks only. At no time is freshly mowed grass to be blown onto headstones. Riding mowers may be used if they are not operated within four (4) inches of headstones, monuments, tree trunks or other vertical surfaces.

2.3.2. All mowing equipment shall be cleaned before mowing at the Cemetery to reduce the risk of introducing contaminant weed seeds into the cemetery turf. No equipment will be cleaned on cemetery property.

2.3.3. Cutting blades on mowing and trimming equipment must be kept sharp so that grass tips are cleanly cut and not tom or damaged.

2.3.4. Turfgrass Heights: Turf shall be maintained at a height of 3.0-4.0 inches.

The height of grass is what is measured to get the correct cutting height. The cutting height of all mowing equipment shall be set to maintain the specified height. At no time will more than one-third (1/3) ofleafblade be removed during any single mowing.

2.3.5. Trimming: The base of headstones, trees, monuments, markers, buildings walls, fences, signs and other vertical surfaces shall be trimmed to keep the grass 3.0-4.0 inches high. Trimming operations will be considered a part of mowing and accomplished concurrently with mowing operations. A mowing cycle will not be considered complete until all trimming operations are accomplished. Areas will be mowed first, followed by the trimming operation.

2.3.6. Mowing and trimming will be accomplished free of scalping, rutting, bruising, and uneven and rough cutting. Use of cutting equipment that is out of adjustment, thereby causing streaks or irregularities, uneven cutting, plowing, or gouging of the soil is not permitted. After cutting, grass will have a uniform height.

2.3.7. Contractor shall be familiar with and utilize different mowing patterns.

Changing direction and patterns reduces turf wear, prevents wheel rutting, and provides a neater appearance. All mowing around trees will be accomplished in a manner that prevents a "ringing pattern" around the tree and associated damage to turf.

2.3.8. Mowing, trimming and edging operations will not damage headstones, markers, floral or commemorative items, structures, survey monuments, irrigation equipment, etc.

2.4. TRASH, DEBRIS & LEAF REMOVAL

2.4.1. Debris and Trash: Any item, material, or foreign object not permanently attached to or planted within the Cemetery grounds and boundaries. Items include, but are not limited to, tree leaves, fallen twigs and branches that are under ten (10) inches (25.40 cm) in diameter, paper products, cigarette butts, gum, glass and metal products, plastic and any other synthetic items, loose rock and stone over three (3) inches (7.62 cm) in diameter that are not the apparent result of an interment. Also included is the material found within the trash receptacles located throughout the Cemetery grounds. The Contractor shall remove all unusable dirt, rocks, roots and other types of objects from the cemetery grounds at the contractor's expense

2.4.2. Contractor shall collect and dispose of all debris and trash before and after each mowing and trimming event within the Cemetery.

2.4.3. Any clippings deposited on headstones, monuments, roadways, walkways (inside and out), flagpole bases, or other non-turf grass areas, shall be mechanically blown onto nearby turf areas when possible, or collected and disposed of on the same day as the mowing and trimming event that produced them. Any clippings deposited on sidewalks or at public visitor areas including at the Committal Shelter areas shall be swept or removed using mechanical blowers at same time mowing work is occurring. Clearly visible windrows of clippings, as a result of infrequent mowing, will be removed and disposed of at no extra cost to the Government.

3. To be an official certified service-disabled veteran owned business where do we need to register for this? We realize there will not be time for this prior to bid submission.

You will need to register with the Small Business Administration and SAM.gov

SBA: https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/rest-auth/login/?next=/requests/viewallrecords%3Fscreen%3DPendingCertificatio ns

SAM: https://sam.gov/ https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/rest-auth/login/?next=/requests/viewallrecords%3Fscreen%3DPendingCertifications https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/rest-auth/login/?next=/requests/viewallrecords%3Fscreen%3DPendingCertifications https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/rest-auth/login/?next=/requests/viewallrecords%3Fscreen%3DPendingCertifications https://sam.gov/

4. To submit a bid for this is anything needed other than registration on the SAM.GOV site?

You will need to be a certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small business that is registered with the SBA and SAM.gov

5. With the work being required to be complete in 365 days from award and the planting dates limited to October 15 a limited amount of sod restoration can be performed over the winter months. Would all work that sod cannot be reinstalled by October 15 be suspended until spring 2027?

I recommend this contract starting in spring of 2027. We could experience winter conditions into mod April. Previous Shrine contracts have started around April/early May time frame.

6. Flat Marker Quantities and Geogrid Support System Scope

The Summary of Work (SOW Article 1.1.B) lists "flat marker geogrid support system" among the required work elements, and the technical specifications state that work in this project includes both upright headstones and flat marker headstones, including base aggregate placement and field density testing for flat marker geogrid support systems. However, the Burial Section Data (SOW Section 1.2) identifies the headstone type for all four sections in the Base Bid (Sections 30, 31, 33, and 2) as upright marble only, with no flat marker quantities listed.

Please confirm: (a) whether any flat markers exist within the limits of work of Sections 30, 31, 33, or 2, and if so, the estimated quantity per section; and (b) if no flat markers are present, whether the flat marker geogrid support system, base course, and associated density testing requirements are inapplicable to the Base Bid.

There are no flat markers in these sections. They are all upright markers.

7. Weather Delays: SOW Article 1.12.A vs. FAR 52.249-10

SOW Article 1.12.A states that "Weather shall not be considered an excusable delay in meeting specifications or project schedule." FAR 52.249-10, Default (Fixed-Price Construction), incorporated into this solicitation, provides that unusually severe weather constitutes an excusable cause of delay. These provisions appear to conflict.

Please clarify: (a) whether unusually severe weather, as defined under FAR 52.249-10(b)(1)(i), will be treated as an excusable delay warranting a time extension under this contract, notwithstanding SOW Article 1.12.A; and (b) if so, the baseline weather data source (e.g., NOAA records for the Minneapolis–St.

Paul station) the Government will use in evaluating unusually severe weather.

Given the 365-day period of performance spanning a Minnesota winter and the liquidated damages rate of $1,116.00 per calendar day, this clarification materially affects bid risk pricing.

Clarification: Unusually severe weather will be treated as an excusable delay that may warrant a time extension under this contract. The solicitation incorporates FAR 52.249-10, Default (Fixed-Price Construction), which expressly lists “unusually severe weather” among the excusable causes of delay. Where any SOW language conflicts with the FAR clause, the FAR clause governs.

Accordingly, the Government will evaluate and, when warranted, grant time extensions for delays resulting from unusually severe weather, consistent with FAR 52.249-10(b).

Note: Per FAR 52.249-10, the Contractor must notify the Contracting Officer in writing within 10 days from the beginning of any delay (unless extended by the CO). The CO will ascertain the facts and extent of delay and, if warranted, extend the completion time.

8. Wage Determination: Applicable Classification for Headstone Raise, Reset, and Realignment Work

Wage Determination MN20260239, incorporated into the solicitation, does not contain a classification specific to headstone or monument setting. Please confirm: (a) whether the Government considers the headstone raise, socket excavation, reset, and realignment work described in Specification Section 32 39 20 to fall under the classification LABORER: Common or General ($44.00 base / $26.12 fringe), or another listed classification; and (b) if no listed classification is deemed applicable, whether a conformance action under FAR 52.222-6 and Standard Form 1444 will be processed after award. A common classification basis among bidders is necessary for uniform labor pricing on this labor-intensive scope.

Yes. For purposes of bidding and contract performance, the Government considers the headstone raise, socket excavation, reset, and realignment tasks described in Section 32 39 20 to fall under LABORER: Common or General in Wage Determination MN20260239.

No other listed classification is more appropriate or more specifically aligned with the scope of work.

(b) Conformance Because the solicitation incorporates MN20260239 and an applicable classification exists, the Government does not anticipate processing a conformance action under FAR 52.222-6 / SF-1444 for this specific work after award.

All bidders should use LABORER: Common or General as the common basis for pricing headstone raise-and-realign labor.

9. Wage Determination: Applicability of the Landscape Laborer Classification to Turf Renovation Work

Wage Determination MN20260239 lists LABORER: Landscape (gardener, sod layer, nursery operator) at $30.04 base / $21.16 fringe. Please confirm whether sod installation, turf establishment, and related landscape operations under Specification Section 32 92 24 may be classified and paid as LABORER:

Landscape, or whether the Government considers this work subject to the Common or General Laborer classification. The difference between these classifications is material to bid pricing for approximately 343,807 square feet of turf renovation.

The Government does not consider the sod installation and turf establishment work under Section 32 92 24 to fall under LABORER: Landscape.

Instead, because the turf renovation involves:

- excavation and earthwork integration,

- amendment and compaction of soils,

- coordination with headstone support systems,

- construction-type grading tolerances, and

- work performed in tandem with cemetery section reconstruction, the appropriate classification for bidding purposes is LABORER: Common or General under MN20260239.

A conformance action for a landscape-specific rate will not be initiated after award.

All bidders should price the turf renovation scope using LABORER: Common or General to ensure a consistent basis for competition.

10. Wage Determination: Governing Revision The wage determination attachment to the solicitation is identified as MN20260239 dated 01/02/2026. SAM.gov reflects a subsequent revision to MN20260239 (Modification 1, published 05/18/2026). Please confirm which revision of the wage determination will be incorporated into the resultant contract, and whether an amendment will be issued incorporating the most current revision in accordance with FAR 22.404-6.

For this project MN20260239 (Modification 2, published 07/29/2026) is the correct version and will be provided via amendment.

11. For On-Site Existing Soil Testing (Page 70): Which renovation sections are in which regions?

12. Can government confirm which sections of renovation areas are irrigated and non irrigated? Is the irrigation currently fully operational/to manufacture performance specs and expected to work as intended upon contractor arrival/time of section takeover? Sections 33, 30, 31, and 2 are all irrigated sections. However, contractors should not expect Fort Snelling National Cemetery irrigation as the contractor’s source of water supply. Our irrigation system is old and has many issues and is unreliable. Contractors should supply their own source of water to establish a healthy vigours stand of turf.

13. Are there connectors/spigots to allow for hook ups for watering sod/cleaning stones? If quick connects etc are unavailable, will the cemetery provide water access for use of a water trailer/tank etc? The cemetery does have quick connections and can supply a map of where they are. If none of the quick connects are near these sections, Fort Snelling does have an area the contractors can hook their own fire hose up to, to fill a water tank up at our North pump house.

14. Is there currently a headstone support system in place for any of the sections being renovated? (ie Flat Markers- gridmarker etc // Uprights- Concrete collars/helical piles etc?) Will a headstone support system of any type be required for any of the sections being renovated? Section 2 is the only section that has a Helical Anchor System for the uprights. That system will need to be removed and thrown away by the contractor when the headstones are pulled for the raise and realign.

15. Is there currently any underground Utilitiy/infrastructure in place in any of the sections being renovated? (ie Concrete Beams, Heated Coils, etc) Will any of this be expected to be maintained/replaced, or potentially be damaged that would be contractor's responsibility?

Any underground utilities will be found once the contractor does their gopher locate. The cemetery will locate irrigation lines and small electrical that ties with the irrigation system.

Yes, any damages will be the contractors responsibility.

16. Are sections' sod measurements based on curb to curb expected replacement?

The sod measurements are corner to corner of the section plus 10% overage to be used as needed and as determined by the COR.

17. SOW states work hours are between 8:00am and 4:30pm, M-F. Will extended hours/weekend work be permissible upon request for additional productivity (ie catch up, ensuring new sod properly watered to specs, etc?

Yes

18. Does the COR have a required cutoff time for the afternoon to complete all material R&R work for inspection? Will the cemetery be open to changing (now or after award) the stated work hours to accommodate earlier inspection, but also to stage/pull the stones before hours to mitigate disruption to the cemetery and complete more stones/rows per day with earlier starts?

The Contracting Officer and COR do not maintain a fixed afternoon cutoff time for completing material raise-and-realign (R&R) work for inspection. Daily inspection scheduling is coordinated based on operational needs, visitor impacts, and the sequencing of work agreed upon between the Cemetery and the contractor.

If the contractor believes earlier inspection times or alternate staging approaches would improve efficiency or reduce disruption to the cemetery, the Government is willing to review those proposed adjustments. Any changes to the stated work hours— either prior to award or post-award—may be considered, provided they do not interfere with cemetery visitation, committal services, or other mission-critical operations.

Contractors may also request authorization to stage or pull stones before the standard workday begins when doing so would lessen disruption or increase daily production.

Such requests will be evaluated by the CO/COR on a case-by-case basis, considering safety, staffing availability, and cemetery operations.

19. Will the cemetery allow temporary materials storage by the sections? (ie, sod delivered laid same day next to a section, to decrease cemetery cross-traffic) Materials cannot impede traffic or obstruct gravesites.

20. Will the cemetery allow spoils to be returned to government/ stored on site? If not, will they allow temporary spoils storage near or in the sections? Yes, in specified location.

21. Please consider updating the wage determination to the most recent General Decision Number: MN20260239 05/18/2026

For this project MN20260239 (Modification 2, published 07/29/2026) is the correct version and will be provided via amendment.