Questions and Answers.pdf

Solicitation #:36C78626Q0119 – Janitorial Services at Chattanooga National Cemetery Questions and Answers

1. We are performing independent research on the Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (36C78626Q0119).

We would like to know if this is a brand new contract OR if there is (was) an incumbent performing these services.

If not brand new, could you please provide the current / previous contract number?

Answer: This is a recurring requirement. The current incumbent is KB Federal Inc and the Contract number is 36C78621C0045.

2. Federal holiday schedule The Statement of Work states that services are to be performed Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM local time, including Federal holidays. The holiday list appears to list Washington’s Birthday twice, while Attachment B provides a separate line item for 11 Federal holiday service days.

Please confirm:

• The correct number of Federal holiday janitorial service days to be priced each contract year. Answer: The correct number of days is 11 federal holidays. Washington Birthday was listed twice.

• Whether the 249 daily service days in Attachment B exclude the separately priced Federal holiday service days. Answer: 249 daily service does not include the 11 federal holidays.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ATTACHMENT B HAS BEEN REVISED.

3. Public restroom quantity The Statement of Work initially states that janitorial services cover “one public restroom” in a separate building, but later states that performance consists of cleaning “two (male/female) public restrooms.”

Please confirm whether the requirement is one public restroom building containing two separate male/female restrooms, and whether both are to be serviced under the daily public-restroom CLIN.

Answer: The facility has one public women’s restroom and one public men’s restroom. The staff facilities include one unisex restroom in the administration building, as well as one women’s restroom and one men’s restroom in the maintenance building.

4. Attachment B Price Schedule formulas In the Excel Price Schedule, some Extended Price cells appear to contain formulas while other recurring and deep-cleaning line items appear not to calculate automatically.

Please confirm whether offerors should manually calculate and enter the extended prices for all CLINs, or whether the Government intends to issue a corrected Price Schedule with formulas populated for each line item.

Answer: On our end, the Excel spreadsheet appears to include formulas in each “extend price” column. Attached is a copy of the Revised Price Schedule for your review. If the formulas are still missing from any “extend price” column, offerors may copy the formula cells into the corresponding cells that do not contain a formula.

5. Could you please provide any available floor plans, blueprints or square footage for the Administrative Building, Public Restroom Building and Maintenance Building?

This information would help us accurately estimate labor, supplies and pricing for the janitorial services.

Answer: While floorplans or blueprints are not available, the total area is approximately 5,000 square feet. This estimate includes the administration building, public restroom, foreman’s office, and maintenance break room, along with all included restrooms.

6. For the September 28, 11 a.m.-noon site visit, may a named local individual attend as

CONTRACTOR expressly authorized representative while being considered for contingent employment as the proposed supervisor? Must the attendee already be an CONTRACTOR employee or founder, and is attendance a condition of award or an encouraged inspection?

Please confirm the registration steps. We are not yet registering an attendee.

Answer: Yes, your authorized personnel may attend the site visit on your company’s behalf.

Please note that the site visit is optional, and your company may still submit a quote even if they do not attend. To register for the site visit, simply send an email to the COR and CS;

no additional registration steps are required.

7. The technical instructions ask for proof of commercial janitorial contracts. Where experienced supervisors/cleaners would be employed directly by CONTRACTOR for this contract, may their accurately attributed prior experience support the technical requirement, or must the prior contracts have been performed by CONTRACTOR itself?

Answer: If the prime contractor has a joint venture or teaming arrangement with a subcontractor, the subcontractor’s relevant experience will be evaluated.

8. Please provide cleanable square footage by building, restroom fixture counts and exterior window quantities/heights. Please clarify whether public restrooms require weekend service, since the SOW uses both daily/holiday wording and a Monday-Friday service window.

Answer: The space is approximately 5,000 square feet and includes nine toilets, four urinals, nine sinks, and approximately 20 windows of varying sizes. Weekend service would only be required if services are needed during a Saturday holiday event.

9. Please confirm the applicable wage determination and revision and whether a text-searchable copy is available. Please also confirm that the deadline times labeled EST mean Eastern local time on September 28, September 30 and October 5.

Answer: The wage determination can be found on www.sam.gov by selecting “Wage Determination” from the main page and entering 2015-4525 in the search box. You may also be able to access it directly using this link:

https://sam.gov/search/?index=wd&page=1&pageSize=25&sort=-modifiedDate&sfm%5Bstatus%5D%5Bis_active%5D=true&sfm%5BsimpleSearch%5D%5Bkey wordTags%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D=2015-4525

Please note that all deadlines are based on local time.

10. The Statement of Work specifies service hours of 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. local time. Must a cleaner remain onsite throughout that period, or may the required cleaning be completed at any time within those hours?

Answer: The required cleaning can take place at any time during the designated hours;

however, 0730 is the recommended time because the cemetery is active with daily burials and committal services. As the areas can become very busy, completing the required cleaning earlier may make the work easier and more efficient. Please note that the cleaner does not need to remain on site for the entire day.

11. When a Federal holiday falls on a weekday, should public restroom cleaning be priced only under the separate holiday line item (CLIN 0004), rather than also under routine weekday cleaning (CLIN 0001)?

Answer: PLEASE NOTE THAT ATTACHMENT B HAS BEEN REVISED.

12. For purposes of satisfying the Volume B commercial janitorial experience requirement, may the prime contractor submit the relevant commercial janitorial experience and past performance of its proposed subcontractor/team member, including prior customers, contract values, periods of performance, and descriptions of services performed?

Answer: Refer to question 7 for the answer.

13. The SOW General Requirements state that services "shall be rendered daily, Monday through Friday, from 7:30am to 4:00pm local time." Does this require a custodian on site for the full 7:30-4:00 window, or only that the daily tasks in SOW A.1-A.3 be completed within that window? Answer: Refer to questions 10 for answer.

Relatedly, does the Attachment B unit "MD" mean one service day per CLIN rather than one eight-hour man-day? (Ref: SOW General Requirements; Attachment B, column E) Answer:

MD states for Man-Day. Man-Day represents the amount of work that one employee can perform in a single day, typically defined as 8 hours of productive work. PLEASE NOTE THAT

ATTACHMENT B HAS BEEN REVISED.

14. For the technical requirement to demonstrate experience and list prior janitorial contracts, will the Government accept contracts performed by any of the following: a proposed https://sam.gov/search/?index=wd&page=1&pageSize=25&sort=-modifiedDate&sfm%5Bstatus%5D%5Bis_active%5D=true&sfm%5BsimpleSearch%5D%5BkeywordTags%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D=2015-4525 https://sam.gov/search/?index=wd&page=1&pageSize=25&sort=-modifiedDate&sfm%5Bstatus%5D%5Bis_active%5D=true&sfm%5BsimpleSearch%5D%5BkeywordTags%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D=2015-4525 https://sam.gov/search/?index=wd&page=1&pageSize=25&sort=-modifiedDate&sfm%5Bstatus%5D%5Bis_active%5D=true&sfm%5BsimpleSearch%5D%5BkeywordTags%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D=2015-4525 subcontractor, Answer: Refer to questions 7 for answer., the quoter's proposed site supervisor or principals while employed by another firm, or an SBA-approved mentor?

Answer: No. Will a quoter with no prior janitorial contract in its own name be rated technically unacceptable? (Ref: Solicitation, Volume B - Technical Quote; Evaluation Process, Technical Approach and Understanding of the Work) Answer: The quoter will be rated Neutral.

15. How many custodial employees, and how many total labor hours per day, does the current contractor use to perform SOW A.1 through A.3 under contract 36C78621C0045? (Ref: SOW A.1-A.3; Solicitation, Volume B work plan, "number of employees")

Answer: Under contract 36C78621C0045, there is one employee assigned. The government is currently unsure of the number of labor hours worked each day. The incumbent submits monthly billing that reflects the total number of hours worked during the month, rather than billing based on a specified number of hours per day.

16. Wage Determination 2015-4525 is Attachment C, but FAR 52.222-41, 52.222-42 and 52.222-43 are not in the clause list. Will the contract include 52.222-43, so that option-year prices are adjusted for wage determination revisions, or must the option-year unit prices on Attachment B include all anticipated labor-cost increases? (Ref:

Solicitation, 52.252-2 clause list and 52.217-8 text; Attachment B, option-year blocks)

Answer: FAR 52.222-43 is not listed in the clause list for this solicitation.

Therefore, option-year unit prices in Attachment B must include all anticipated labor-cost increases, because automatic price adjustments under FAR 52.222-43 will not occur.

17. Clause 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 (DEVIATION NOV 2025), is incorporated. Does it require any hourly wage above the WD 2015-4525 Revision 31 Janitor (11150) rate of $15.27, and if so, what rate applies? (Ref:

Solicitation, 52.252-2 clause list; Attachment C, p.2)

Answer: No, FAR Clause 52.222-55 (DEVIATION NOV 2025) does not currently require a minimum hourly wage above the WD 2015-4525 Revision 31 Janitor rate of $15.27.

The original FAR 52.222-55 clause implementing Executive Order 14026 mandated a contractor minimum wage that escalated to $17.75 per hour. However, Executive Order 14236 subsequently revoked Executive Order 14026.

As a result of this rescission and the associated class deviations, the higher inflation-adjusted rates under EO 14026 are no longer enforced by the Department of Labor.

18. Is the current custodial workforce covered by a collective bargaining agreement that would bind the successor contractor under 41 U.S.C. 6707(c) (SCA Section 4(c))? If so, will its wage and fringe schedule be added to the solicitation? (Ref: Attachment C; Solicitation attachment list)

Answer: There is no collective bargaining agreement. The wages are determined by the wage determination located on www.sam.gov or Attachment C.

https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAESYQHrOzAVUApGa6jXCnoVwif2xCdMFDgm2O0Rg3iYgAOfWb0ElcQ5prBNLWFT9gRHIAt7ENZOAzP2qAlWuZDZjoBfXW3NlSuhnQyXtpswmMaUsHRfJoVHGiq2pt25CBCj5HA http://www.sam.gov/

19. SOW A.3 items 11-19 repeat the A.1 public-restroom procedures. Does the Maintenance

Building include a public-use restroom to be serviced under CLIN x003, or was that block repeated in error? (Ref: SOW A.3 items 11-19; SOW A.1 items 1-10; SOW Background)

Answer: The Maintenance building does not have a public restroom

20. The SOW does not give building sizes or counts. Please provide in the question-and-answer amendment: the square footage of each of the three buildings; the fixture count for each of the five restrooms (toilets, urinals, sinks, showers); the number of windows in each building;

and the number and size of entry rugs. (Ref: SOW Background; A.1 item 3; A.2 item 9; A.3 item 8; A.4 items 1 and 4)

Answer: Refer to question 8 for answer.

21. Does "provide disposable soap dispensers" require the contractor to furnish the dispenser units, or only refills for existing Government-owned dispensers? What toilet-paper, paper-towel and soap dispensers are installed now, and about how many visitors use the public restroom on a typical day? (Ref: SOW A.1 item 6; A.2 item 8; A.3 items 7 and 15)

Answer: The contractor is required to refill, maintain, repair, and/or replace the existing government-owned dispensers. Additionally, the Government cannot determine how many visitors use the public restroom on a typical day.

22. Clause 852.237-75, Key Personnel, is incorporated, but no key positions are named. Which positions, if any, are key personnel, and does the "supervision" required by the SOW call for an on-site supervisor in addition to the custodial staff? (Ref: Solicitation, VAAR clause list;

SOW Background, "The Contractor shall furnish all personnel, labor, supervision…")

Answer: VAAR 852.237-75, Key Personnel, will be removed from the combined synopsis solicitation.

23. What is the anticipated award date? Answer: The anticipated award date is October 19, 2026. However, this is subject to change. What background investigation or PIV credential under FAR 52.204-9 must custodial employees complete before the November 1, 2026 start, how long does it typically take, and may employees begin work while it is pending? Answer:

Background investigation and PIV credentials are not required. The government will not be issuing identification cards to the contractor staff. However, the contractor should conduct a background investigation through their own process, since the staff member(s) will be working under the contractor. How will building keys or alarm codes be issued? (Ref:

Solicitation, 52.252-2 clause list, 52.204-9; Solicitation, Site Visit, "Information pertaining to access…"; SOW Period of Performance) Answer: The public restrooms are on a time block and will automatically be open around 6am. The buildings will be open when staff arrived around 0730.

24. VAAR 852.232-72 is not listed, so how often and through which system should the contractor submit invoices (for example, monthly in arrears through the VA Financial Services Center electronic invoicing portal)? Should each invoice bill CLINs x001-x004 by the actual number of service days performed that month? (Ref: Solicitation, 52.212-4 and 52.232-33; Attachment B, unit "MD")

Answer: The awarded should submit invoices monthly through the Tungsten website. To help ensure each invoice can be processed correctly, include the contract number, applicable Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs), and the relevant period of performance

25. The cleanable square footage for the Administrative Building, Public Restroom Building, and

Maintenance Building, separately;

Answer: Refer to question 5 for answer.

26. The number of toilets, urinals, sinks, and showers to be cleaned in each building? If a floor plan or facility schedule with these details is available, that would also be helpful. We understand that answers to solicitation questions may be issued by amendment.

Answer: Refer to questions 5 and 8 for answers.

27. Does an incumbent for this contract exist?

Answer: Refer to question 1 above for the answer.

28. Does the Government have any historical or estimated monthly usage/purchasing quantities for toilet paper, paper towels, soap, air fresheners, and trash can liners that can be provided to assist with pricing?

Answer: No

29. Topic: Regarding dispensers, is the Contractor only required to refill and maintain the

Government's existing toilet paper, paper towel, and soap dispensers, or is the Contractor responsible for furnishing and replacing dispensers as needed during contract performance?

Answer: The Contractor is required to maintain the Government’s existing toilet paper, paper towel, and soap dispensers and maintenance of the soap dispensers. If the dispenser is broken, the government will be responsible for fixing and/or replacing the dispenser.

30. Previous/incumbent contract number. Incumbent contractor name. Previous award or contract value, including applicable option years

Answer: Refer to question 1 above for the answer. NOTE: A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request should be submitted for the contract value.

31. Reference: Attachment B, CLINs 0001–0004 (Unit: MD)

Questions: Please define the unit "MD." Does one MD mean one completed daily service of the building, regardless of labor hours, or does the Government expect one worker on site for a full eight-hour day for each CLIN (three full-time workers across CLINs 0001–0003)?

Answer: “MD” stands for “Man-Day.” A man-day represents the amount of work one employee can typically perform during a single day, based on eight hours of productive work. The government cannot direct the contractor on how many staff members are required to complete the assigned tasks. Additionally, the required cleaning may take place at any time during the designated hours; however, 0730 is the recommended start time because the cemetery is active with daily burials and committal services. Since the areas may become very busy, completing the required cleaning earlier may make the work easier and more efficient. Please also note that the cleaner is not required to remain on site for the entire day.

32. Reference: SOW, General Requirements (7:30 AM – 4:00 PM) Question: Must a contractor employee remain on site for the full 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM window, or may the contractor complete the required tasks at any time within that window and then depart? Is a mid-day restroom check expected?

Answer: No, they are not required to be on station all day. However, a midday bathroom check would be greatly appreciated, though it is not required.

33. Reference: SOW, General Requirements; Attachment B, CLINs 0002, 0003 and 0004

Question: The SOW states services are rendered Monday through Friday "including Federal holidays," yet the Price Schedule provides a holiday line (CLIN 0004) for the Public Restroom only. Please confirm that the Administration Building and Maintenance Building are not serviced on federal holidays and that only the Public Restroom is.

Answer: Confirmed. The Administration Building and Maintenance Building are not serviced on federal holidays. Only the Public Restroom is serviced on those days.

34. Reference: SOW, General Requirements (holiday list) Question: The holiday list shows Washington's Birthday twice. Please confirm the 11 holidays covered by CLIN 0004 are those listed in WD 2015-4525: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Answer: Refer to question 2.

If an additional day is declared a holiday by the President, will it be ordered and paid as an additional holiday MD? Answer: Yes, holiday pay will apply.

35. Reference: SOW, holidays; CLIN 0004 Question: When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, is the holiday Public Restroom service performed on the actual holiday, on the observed weekday, or both?

Answer: If burials are scheduled on a holiday, contractor staff will need to come in to complete the cleaning. In those circumstances, only the public restroom should be cleaned.

36. Reference: SOW A.1 ("Daily and Holidays"); Checklist A (SUN–SAT columns; "inspected daily on the days they are open to the public") Question: The SOW limits service to Monday through Friday, but Checklist A has Saturday and Sunday columns and states restrooms are to be inspected "daily on the days they are open to the public." Is the Public Restroom open to the public on weekends, and is any weekend service required, including Memorial Day and Veterans Day weekends? If not, who services it on weekends?

Answer: The only situation that would require weekend operations is when burials are scheduled for a Saturday, since we cannot be closed for more than two consecutive days. If there are no burials but a holiday falls on the weekend, we would instead request a double stock of supplies to carry over and help accommodate the volume of weekend visitors.

37. Reference: SOW A.4; Base Year start Question: The base year begins 01NOV26, ten days before Veterans Day. Please confirm the Veterans Day 2026 deep cleaning is required in the base year.

Answer: No, the 1st deep cleaning would be around Memorial Day.

38. Reference: CLINs 0004, 0005 and 0006

Question: On Veterans Day and Memorial Day, is holiday Public Restroom service (CLIN 0004) also required in addition to the deep cleaning (CLINs 0005/0006), or does the deep cleaning take its place on those days?

Answer: Deep cleaning is a separate task and should be scheduled around those days rather than during them. Those days are expected to be very busy, which would make it difficult to complete the deep clean effectively.

39. Reference: Attachment B, estimated quantities

Question: The quantity of 249 MD is the same for all five years, although the number of Monday–Friday workdays varies by contract year. Each year has 52 full weeks (260 workdays) plus one or two extra days, so the five contract years contain 260 to 262 workdays, or 249 to 251 after the 11 federal holidays (for example, 01NOV27 – 31OCT28 includes 29FEB28 and has 262). Are these estimated quantities, with payment for actual MDs performed at the unit price, or a fixed quantity? Please state the invoicing frequency (monthly in arrears is assumed).

Answer: PLEASE NOTE THAT ATTACHMENT B HAS BEEN REVISED.

40. Reference: SOW, General Requirements

Question: If the cemetery is closed for inclement weather, emergency or a lapse in appropriations, will the contractor be paid for the scheduled MD? Answer: No How much notice will the contractor receive? Answer: The COR will provide as much advance notice as possible. However, there may be occasions when the COR is notified at the last minute and must promptly relay the information to the contractor.

41. Reference: SOW, Background; Checklist A ("all cemetery restrooms")

Question: Please list what is excluded from this contract. Specifically, confirm that committal shelters, portable restrooms, exterior trash receptacles on the grounds, sidewalks, building exteriors (other than entrance doorways under A.1.7) and any other restrooms on the grounds are not included.

Answer: The Statement of Work (SOW) includes all items covered by this requirement. If committal shelters, portable restrooms, exterior trash receptacles on the grounds, sidewalks, or building exteriors are not specifically listed in the SOW, they are excluded from the contract. Please use the SOW as the governing reference when determining whether these items are included within the contract’s scope.

42. Reference: SOW, all sections

Question: If the Government adds, removes or renovates a building during the contract, will the change be made by written modification with an equitable price adjustment? Answer:

Yes, written modification will be provided to the awardee. Is any construction, expansion or renovation of these buildings planned during the five-year period? Answer: No

43. Reference: SOW A.1.7 and A.3.16 (unscheduled work)

Question: Is the contractor expected to respond to unscheduled needs during the day (spills, overflowing toilets, restroom supply outages)? If so, what response time is required? Please confirm plumbing repairs and unclogging beyond plunging are the Government's responsibility.

Answer: The government will be responsible for all plumbing concerns. However, if there is a supply need, there will be a call back, which is expected to take place before close of business.

44. Reference: SOW A.5 (conduct); Dignity Clause

Question: Are there restrictions on janitorial work during committal services or ceremonies, such as no vacuuming or equipment noise? Answer: There are no restrictions on when the required cleaning may take place during the designated hours. However, 0730 is the recommended time because the cemetery is active with daily burials and committal services. As the day progresses, the areas can become very busy, which may make it difficult to complete the required cleaning efficiently.

Will the contractor be given a daily schedule of services? Answer: The daily schedule is listed on the price schedule.

45. Reference: This SOW, Background

Question: The SOW does not state square footage. Please provide the square footage of each building, broken out by floor type (carpet, tile, wood, concrete). Is a site map or floor plan available?

Answer: Refer to question 5 for the answer.

46. Reference: SOW A.1–A.4

Question: Please provide the number of toilets, urinals, sinks and showers in each building;

the number of windows in the Administration and Maintenance Buildings subject to deep cleaning; and the number and size of entry rugs in each building. (A.2.9 states two entry rugs;

A.3.8 does not give a number.)

Answer: Refer to question 8 for the answer.

47. Reference: SOW A.1–A.3

Question: Please provide the approximate number of cemetery employees working in the Administration and Maintenance Buildings, the average daily visitor count, and the expected visitor count on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. This is needed to estimate consumable usage.

Answer: There are approximately 15 cemetery employees on site each day. Visitor numbers vary depending on the burial schedule, planned trips, volunteer activities, and other factors, with daily attendance ranging from about 10 to more than 100 visitors. On Memorial Day or Veterans Day, attendance can reach approximately 3 to 500 people.

48. Reference: SOW A.1.6, A.2.8, A.3.7 (contractor-furnished supplies)

Question: Can the Government provide historical usage of toilet paper, paper towels, soap and trash liners?

Answer: The government has no way to track that information. All of it has been tracked and supplied by the incumbent.

49. Reference: SOW A.6 (Use of Cemetery Facilities) Question: How will contractor personnel access the buildings (keys, key cards, alarm codes)?

Who unlocks and locks the Public Restroom each day? Answer: The public restrooms are on a time block and will automatically be open around 6am. The buildings will be open when staff arrived around 0730. Is a break area available for contractor personnel? Answer: No

50. Reference: SOW A.6

Question: Other than interior trash cans and checklists, does the Government furnish any equipment or supplies (vacuums, ladders, mop sinks, wet-floor signs)? Please confirm trash liners are contractor-furnished.

Answer: The government does not furnish any equipment or supplies for this requirement.

The contractor is responsible for furnishing all necessary equipment and supplies, including trash can liners.

51. Reference: SOW A.1.10, A.2.11, A.3.10

Question: The SOW gives different storage locations: "within the CNC building" (A.1.10 and A.3.19), "within the Public Restroom" (A.2.11) and "within the Public Restroom building" (A.3.10). Please identify the designated storage space, its approximate size, whether it locks, and whether a mop sink or utility sink is available for disposing of mop water.

Answer: There are two storage areas available, each measuring approximately 6 by 10 feet.

One is in the public restroom with the deep and mop sinks, and the other is in the maintenance break room.

52. Reference: Checklist A vs. SOW A.1–A.3 (task frequencies) Question: Checklist A lists weekly tasks (light fixtures, soap dispensers) and monthly tasks (heat/air vents, walls and doors, stall partitions, air freshener dispensers) that do not appear in the SOW, while the SOW sets its own daily and semi-annual tasks. Which document controls task frequency? Please confirm whether the Checklist A weekly and monthly tasks are required.

Answer: The SOW controls the task frequency. Also, the attached Checklist A is only a sample and once the contract is awarded a new Checklist may be provided by the COR.

53. Reference: Checklist A ("visibly posted in each restroom") vs. SOW A.1.9, A.2.10, A.3.9

("submitted to the COR daily") Question: Checklist A states checklists are to be visibly posted in each restroom, while the SOW requires them to be signed and submitted to the COR daily. Which is required, or both?

If the COR is not on site, to whom is the checklist submitted? Is one checklist used per restroom, per building, or for all restrooms?

Answer: The checklist will be displayed on a clipboard in the common cleaning areas. The COR will review and check it daily to help ensure the checklist remains current and consistently maintained.

54. Reference: SOW A.2 and A.2.10 (restroom count)

Question: A.2 describes one employee restroom in the Administration Building, but A.2.10 refers to "completion of cleaning two restrooms." Please confirm the number of restrooms in the Administration Building.

Answer: There is one employee bathroom in the Administration building.

55. Reference: SOW A.3 (Maintenance Building trash)

Question: The A.3 introduction says the contractor shall empty trash receptacles "located in the restroom," while A.3.1 says "all interior trash receptacles in prescribed areas" and the introduction covers "all offices, rooms, and break room area." Please confirm trash in the Foreman's office and break room is included. A.3.4 also refers to an "employee restroom and kitchen"; is there a kitchen in the Maintenance Building, or does this mean the break room?

Answer: The trash included waste located in the foreman’s office and the employee breakroom. The employee breakroom is located in the maintenance building and includes a kitchen.

56. Reference: SOW A.3.11–A.3.19 Question: Items A.3.11 through A.3.19 repeat the Public Restroom procedures (A.1.1–A.1.10) word for word under the Maintenance Building. Is this a duplication, or are the Maintenance Building restrooms to be cleaned to the public restroom standard?

Answer: Yes, the Maintenance bathroom shall be cleaned to the public restroom standard

57. Reference: SOW, Background and Notes ("employees clean their workstations") Question: The Background calls for sweeping and mopping "all floors" daily, while the notes state employees clean their own workstations. Inside offices, is the contractor responsible for floors and trash only, Answer: Yes or also for dusting and wiping furniture? Answer: No Are there carpeted office floors that require vacuuming beyond the entry rugs? Answer: Yes

58. Reference: SOW A.1.3 (windows); A.4.1 (windows) Question: A.1.3 calls for Public Restroom windows to be cleaned inside and outside. Is exterior window cleaning at the Public Restroom daily? Answer: No, exterior windows are to be deep cleaned.

A.4.1 lists only the Administration and Maintenance Building windows for deep cleaning; are the Public Restroom windows included? Answer: Yes

59. Reference: SOW A.4 and A.4.5 (Mop and Glow) Question: A.4 applies Mop and Glow or its equivalent to "the entire building" without saying which building. Please identify the buildings and floors to be treated and the type of wood flooring (sealed hardwood, laminate or vinyl plank). Answer: Administrative building, Maintenance building, Foreman office and Public Restrooms. The floor types are vinyl planks. Please also confirm Mop and Glow or its equivalent is to be applied to restroom tile, given the slip hazard in wet areas. Answer: Yes, Mop and Glo or its equivalent is to be used daily to clean restrooms

60. Reference: SOW A.1.4, A.2.4, A.3.2 ("heavy bleach solution"); "no other ... cleaning products" notes Question: Please state the required bleach dilution for a "heavy bleach solution" and confirm bleach is not to be used on wood floors. Since no products may be used "outside the specifications," please provide the list of approved products, or confirm the contractor may submit its products and Safety Data Sheets to the COR for approval. Are bio-based or EPA Safer Choice products required under the NCA Environmental Management System?

Answer: Contractor can submit their products to the COR for approval

61. Reference: SOW A.1.6, A.2.8, A.3.7 (air fresheners) vs. "no other sprays, scents" notes

Question: The SOW requires disposable air fresheners but prohibits "sprays, scents ... or toilet tablets" outside the specifications. What type of air freshener is approved (passive gel, battery-operated, non-aerosol), and are scented products allowed?

Answer: Air neutralizers are approved along with urinal pads. No scented products are allowed.

62. Reference: SOW A.1.6, A.2.8, A.3.7 (dispensers)

Question: Are the existing soap, towel and toilet paper dispensers Government-owned?

Answer: Yes.

If so, please provide brand and model so refills are compatible. Answer: Unknown. If not, must the contractor install its own? Answer: N/A Who replaces a broken dispenser? Answer: If the dispenser is broken, the government will be responsible for fixing or replacing the dispenser.

Are feminine hygiene receptacle liners and toilet seat covers required? Answer: Yes

63. Reference: SOW A.4.3 (air vents)

Question: What are the ceiling heights where vents are to be removed and cleaned? Please confirm duct cleaning is not included.

Answer: The ceiling heights where vents are to be removed and cleaned are approximately 8 foot. Also, duct cleaning is not included in the contract.

64. Reference: SOW A.4 and A.4.4 (carpet shampooing) Question: What specifications must a "COR approved carpet cleaning device" meet?

Answer: Only a vacuum is required. May the contractor use a rented extraction machine?

65. Reference: SOW A.2 (kitchen; storage room with refrigerator)

Question: Is the contractor responsible for cleaning the inside or outside of refrigerators, microwaves or other kitchen appliances?

66. Reference: SOW A.1–A.3 (trash removal)

Question: Where does the contractor dispose of collected trash? Is there an on-site Government dumpster, and is there a recycling requirement?

Answer: The contractor should dispose of trash in the on-site dumpster. There is no recycling requirement.

67. Reference: SOW A.5.4 (organizational clothing) Question: Is a specific uniform color or style required, or is any clothing bearing the company name or emblem acceptable?

Answer: There is no specific color or style required for the uniform. However, the uniform must display the company name or logo and should present a professional appearance.

68. Reference: Clauses incorporated by reference; Attachment C (WD 2015-4525) Question: A Service Contract Act wage determination is attached, but FAR 52.222-41, 52.222-42, 52.222-43 and 52.212-5 do not appear in the clause list. Please confirm these clauses apply and that option-year prices will be adjusted for wage determination revisions under 52.222-43.

Answer: Refer to question 16 for the answer.

69. Reference: Attachment C (WD 2015-4525, Rev. 31); clause list (52.222-62 not listed) Question: WD 2015-4525 Rev. 31 lists two health and welfare rates: $5.92 per hour and $5.42 per hour for contracts covered by EO 13706 (Paid Sick Leave). FAR 52.222-62 does not appear in the clause list. Please confirm whether 52.222-62 applies, and therefore which health and welfare rate quoters should use.

Answer: No FAR 52.222-62 does not apply because it is not listed on the combined synopsis solicitation.

70. Reference: FAR 52.222-55 (DEVIATION NOV 2025) vs. Attachment C Question: FAR 52.222-55 (EO 14026 minimum wage) is listed, but WD 2015-4525 Rev. 31 carries no EO 14026 notice. Please confirm whether the EO 14026 minimum wage applies, or whether the wage determination rates alone control.

Answer: Although FAR 52.222-55 is listed among the solicitation clauses, Executive Order 14026 was revoked by Executive Order 14236. As a result, the Department of Labor is no longer enforcing EO 14026 or its implementing regulations. Because EO 14026 is no longer in effect, no EO-based minimum wage applies to this requirement, and the absence of any EO 14026 language in WD 2015-4525 Revision 31 is correct.

Accordingly, the applicable Service Contract Act wage determination (WD 2015-4525 Rev.

31) controls the required minimum wage rates for this procurement. Offerors should base their pricing on the rates contained in that wage determination unless otherwise amended by the Government prior to award.

71. Reference: Attachment C (WD 2015-4525) Question: Please confirm WD 2015-4525 Revision 31, dated 8/27/2026, governs this procurement, and whether the Government will incorporate any later revision published before award

Answer: Wage Determination 2015-4525, Revision 31, dated August 27, 2026, is the latest applicable wage determination. The Government will incorporate any subsequent revision issued before award.

72. Reference: General

Question: Is this a follow-on requirement? If so, please provide the current contract number, the incumbent, and the current contract value; state whether the current contract is an SDVOSB set-aside; state whether a collective bargaining agreement applies; Answer:

The current incumbent is KB Federal Inc., and the contract number is 36C78621C0045. The current contract was set aside for SDVOSB, and collective bargaining agreement does not apply. Please submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to obtain the contract value.

and state how many staff and daily hours the incumbent uses. Answer: There is one employee assigned. The government is currently unsure of the number of labor hours worked each day. The incumbent submits monthly billing that reflects the total number of hours worked during the month, rather than billing based on a specified number of hours per day.

73. Reference: General Question: Has the scope changed from the current contract? If so, please describe the changes.

Answer: Yes, foreman office is now included

74. Reference: FAR 52.204-9, Personal Identity Verification Question: FAR 52.204-9 is incorporated by reference, but the solicitation does not state whether contractor personnel require a background investigation or identity credential.

Please state whether one is required. If so, please state the type who conducts it, who bears the cost, the expected processing time, and whether work may begin while it is pending.

Answer: Refer to question 23 for the answer.

75. Reference: VAAR 852.237-75, Key Personnel Question: The Key Personnel clause is incorporated, but no key personnel positions are listed. Please identify any key personnel positions, or confirm there are none. If there are key personnel positions, are bidders expected to name employees to them prior to bid submittal or after?

Answer: VAAR 852.237-75, Key Personnel, will be removed from the combined synopsis solicitation.

76. Reference: SOW A.5.1 (contractor supervision) Question: Is an on-site supervisor or contract manager required? Answer: No If not, what response time is required for a company representative to reach the cemetery or answer the COR? Answer: By close of business.

May the assigned cleaner serve as the on-site lead? Answer: Yes, site cleaner can serve as lead

77. Reference: SOW (no QASP)

Question: No Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan is included. How will performance be inspected, and will deductions be taken for unsatisfactory or missed services? Answer: Daily and Monthly COR inspection.

Is a Quality Control Plan required after award? Answer: No

78. Reference: Attachment B, Option Years 2–4 line item numbers Question: Option Years 2, 3 and 4 repeat line items 0001–0006 instead of using 2001–2006, 3001–3006 and 4001–4006. Please issue a corrected Attachment B.

Answer: PLEASE NOTE THAT ATTACHMENT B HAS BEEN REVISED..

79. Reference: Volume B instructions (Attachment E) vs. Evaluation Process (Attachment C)

Question: Volume B instructions call the subcontractor document Attachment E, while the Evaluation Process calls it Attachment C (Attachment C is the Wage Determination). Please confirm Attachment E is the correct form. If the quoter will self-perform, does the self-performance certification replace Attachment E, or must both be submitted?

Answer: The Subcontractor Document Form is Attachment E not Attachment C. If the offeror does not plan to use a subcontractor, they should complete only Section 1 of the Subcontractor Document Form and submit the completed form with their quote.

80. Reference: Volume A; Attachment D (VAAR 852.219-75) Question: Volume A requires a "complete copy" of 852.219-75 (Attachment D). Must the certificate be completed and signed, or is a copy of the clause sufficient? The solicitation cites it as "FAR 852.219-75"; please confirm the VAAR clause is intended.

Answer: Yes, VAAR 852.219.75 must be completed and signed by the offeror and submitted under Volume A. If not, offeror quote may be deemed non-responsive. Also,

852.219.75 is a VAAR clause NOT a FAR clause. It was incorrectly stated on the combined synopsis solicitation.

81. Reference: Quoters Submittal; Volume C Question: Quotes must be submitted as PDF on company letterhead, but Attachment B is an

Excel workbook. Should Volume C contain Attachment B converted to PDF, the native Excel file, or both?

Answer: Offeror can either submit Attachment B as a converted PDF, excel file or both.

82. Reference: Quoters Submittal

Question: Are there page limits or font requirements for any volume? Answer: No. How long must quoted prices remain valid? Answer: All quote prices should be valid for at least 90 days.

83. Reference: Evaluation Process, Technical Acceptability Question: "Demonstrates experience in performing this requirement": Is a minimum number of prior contracts, a dollar threshold or a recency period required? Is federal or cemetery experience required, or will commercial janitorial experience alone meet the standard? May a quoter rely on the experience of a joint-venture member, a similarly situated SDVOSB subcontractor or its principals? Are past performance questionnaires or references required?

Answer: The offeror should submit at least three prior contracts completed within the last five years that are similar to this requirement. Federal or cemetery experience is not required. If the prime contractor has a joint venture or teaming arrangement with a subcontractor, the subcontractor’s relevant experience will also be evaluated.

84. Reference: Contract Dates ("from the date of award") vs. Anticipated Period of Performance

Question: If award is made after 01NOV26, will the base year be shortened to end 31OCT27, or will all periods shift to start from the award date?

Answer: This contract must be awarded by November 1, 2026. However, if the contract is not awarded by that date for any reason, the base year will not be shortened. Instead, all periods will shift to align with the new period of performance. For example, under a December 1, 2026 start date, the base period would run from December 1, 2026, through November 30, 2027, and Option 1 would run from December 1, 2027, through November 30, 2028, with subsequent periods shifting accordingly.

85. Reference: Clause list (no electronic invoicing clause) Question: How will invoices be submitted (for example, through the VA Financial Services

Center / Tungsten portal), and at what frequency?

Answer: Refer to question 24.

86. Reference: Site Visit (September 28, 2026) Question: Please publish the site visit sign-in sheet and any questions and answers raised during the site visit.

Answer: Site visit sign in sheet is not published. A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request is required.

87. Reference: Response time (10:00 AM EST) Question: The solicitation states 10:00 AM "Eastern Standard Time." 05OCT26 falls within daylight saving time. Please confirm the deadline is 10:00 AM Eastern local time (EDT).

Answer: Eastern Local Time

Please note that the closing date for this requirement has been extended to Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 10:00am EDT.

88. Do purchases of commercial cleaning chemicals, paper products, soap, and other consumables from the distributor count toward the 50 percent subcontracting limit?

Answer: No. Purchases of consumable supplies do not count toward the 50 percent subcontracting limitation

89. If those supply purchases are excluded, must their value also be deducted from the amount used to calculate the 50 percent ceiling?

Answer: No. The 50% requirement relates to the portion of work performed, not supply costs. This determination is made using price analysis, which evaluates overall price reasonableness rather than breaking down cost components. Supply-cost exclusions do not factor into the 50% calculation

90. What costs must be included in the calculation, and is compliance measured separately for the base year and each option year?

Answer: The Government does not calculate internal cost components for this requirement. Compliance is assessed through price analysis, which compares total proposed prices for fairness and reasonableness. The VA does not separately evaluate cost components for the base or option years in determining 50% performance compliance.

VAAR 852.219-75 states that the SDVOSB prime must perform at least 50% of the services portion of the contract itself, but internal cost accounting methods used to demonstrate compliance are the contractor’s responsibility

91. Are there any additional requirements governing the portion of cleaning work CONTRACTOR must perform directly when using a non-SDVOSB subcontractor?

Answer: The Schedule/SOW identifies what is required as indicated in the solicitation.

92. We are a veteran-owned business and are planning on bidding for the Chattanooga National

Cemetery, but I wanted to see if the way we price things will be an issue. I know the solicitation states that things need to be broken down; our system workbooks do not break that information down by area. I can only provide a lump-sum cost for cleaning. My second question would be about the consumables that we would provide. I do not have a way to gauge or know what kind of foot traffic you have throughout the months or holiday times;

therefore, we always bill for consumables as Cost Plus 30%. I do not want to waste your time or ours if this is not going to be acceptable and wanted to run that by you and see what you thought.

Answer: All offeror quotes should be submitted and completed as outlined in the combined synopsis solicitation.