AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

1 30

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

3. EFFECTIVE DATE 4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER 5. PROJECT NUMBER (If applicable)

36C786CODE

NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMIN (786)

NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMINISTRATION

DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

18434 JOPLIN RD.

TRIANGLE, VA 22172

6. ISSUED BY 36C786CODE

NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMIN (786)

NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMINISTRATION

DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

18434 JOPLIN RD.

TRIANGLE, VA 22172

7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

36C78626Q50239

CODE FACILITY CODE

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (Number, street, country, state and ZIP Code) (X)

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER

NUMBER

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

X XThe above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers is extended, is not extended, 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: (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 RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment your 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.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATION OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

CHECK ONE A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT

ORDER NUMBER IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

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

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return _______ copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

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 (Type or print) 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

(Signature of person authorized to sign)

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR 15C. DATE SIGNED

By (Signature of Contracting Officer)

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 16C. DATE SIGNED

NSN 7540-01-152-8070

Previous edition unusable

STANDARD FORM 30 (REV.

11/2016) Prescribed by GSA FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

9/25/2026

This amendment to answer vendor questions.

1.Will the Contracting Officer issue an amendment providing the official site visit attendee sign-in sheet, site map, and any verbal Q&A or clarifications provided during the September 17 site visit?

There will be no attendee sheet will not be provided.

2. What is the exact acreage, turf breakdown, and headstone/columbarium count currently requiring active maintenance under the Performance Work Statement (PWS)?

The acreage and headstone count are listed in the PWS Para 5.

3. Is government-furnished equipment (GFE), storage space, or an on-site staging area available for contractor-owned machinery and materials, or must all equipment be transported daily?

There is a designated contractor staging area. The information is included in the PWS and PWS attachment map shows location.

4. Who is responsible for water utility costs associated with site irrigation, and are there known irrigation system defects or maintenance responsibilities passed to the contractor?

The cemetery pays the water bill on a separate requirement. By time of award, the irrigation system will be winterized, the COR can provide any known irrigation issue discovered at time of winterization.

5. What are the mandated key personnel requirements (e.g., On-Site Supervisor/Arborist certifications) and minimum staffing ratios expected during peak interment periods?

The PWS para 11 list the requirements for the on-site supervisor. PWS attachment paragraph 8 list the requirements for the arborist. As far as staffing ratio, this is a performance-based service contract that provides potential offerors the flexibility to develop cost effective solutions and the opportunity to propose innovative alternatives to meet the stated objectives.

6. What is the historical annual interment volume at Yellowstone National Cemetery to help project workload spikes?

As stated in the PWS CLIN structure the government estimates 150 burials a year. This is based on historical data.

7. Can the Contracting Officer confirm the current contract number, annual award value, and incumbent contractor for the previous period of performance?

8. Have there been any major scope changes or task additions in this solicitation compared to the prior contract?

The scope of the contract has changed as the cemetery has evolved. This current PWS is based on current known requirements.

1. Topic: Davis-Bacon Act Wage Determination — Not Included in the Solicitation Reference: Price Schedule Section B.1 (CLIN 0014 heading, all performance periods); Solicitation 36C78626Q50239 Section 3, Documents, Exhibits, or Attachments; FAR 52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards Questions: The Price Schedule heading above CLIN 0014 states that the Davis-Bacon Act applies to upright headstone setting. The only wage determination in Section 3 is WD 2015-5389 dated 09/08/2026, a Service Contract Act determination. No Davis-Bacon determination is included. Will the Government

(a) confirm whether the Davis-Bacon Act applies to CLIN 0014 and its option-year equivalents; (b) if so, amend the solicitation to attach the applicable Davis-Bacon general wage determination for Yellowstone County, Montana, and the classification for headstone setting; and (c) if not, amend to remove the reference so all offerors price CLIN 0014 under SCA rates?

Yes, DB Wages are required on CLIN 0014 and option years

2. Topic: Davis-Bacon Act Reference — Conflicting CLIN Numbers Between Base and Option Years Reference: Price Schedule Section B.1 (headings above CLINs 0014, 1014, 2014, 3014, 4014) Questions: The Base Year heading reads "Davis Bacon Act Apply to Contract Line Item 0014." The corresponding headings in Option Years 1 through 4 each read "Davis Bacon Act Apply to Contract Line Item 0012." In the option-year schedules, CLIN x012 is Interment, Casket, Crypt, not headstone setting.

Will the Government confirm that the Davis-Bacon reference is intended to apply to the upright headstone setting line (x014) in every performance period, and issue an amendment correcting the option-year headings?

Clerical Error – For OY CLIN XX14 should be listed as requiring DB Wage. Updated CLIN Structure

3. Topic: Sunken Grave Repair — Quantity Discrepancy Between Base Year and Option Years Reference: Price Schedule Section B.1 (CLIN 0003, 20 EA; CLINs 1003, 2003, 3003, 4003, 3 EA each) Questions: CLIN 0003 lists Sunken Grave Repair at an estimated quantity of 20 EA in the Base Year, while the same line in each of the four option years lists 3 EA. Will the Government confirm whether the option-year quantity of 3 EA is intentional, or whether it reflects a clerical error and should read 20 EA?

A quantity that falls by 85 percent after the first year materially changes the amortization of equipment and mobilization across the five-year period.

Clerical Error – For OY CLIN XXX3 should be listed as requiring 20 each. Updated CLIN Structure

4. Topic: Sunken Grave Repair — Conflicting PWS References Reference: Price Schedule Section B.1 (CLIN 0003 cites "Atch A, Sect 15 & QASP"; CLINs 1003 through 4003 cite "Atch A, Sect 9.2 & QASP") Questions: The Base Year line for Sunken Grave Repair references Attachment A, Section 15, while the option-year lines for the same service reference Attachment A, Section 9.2. Will the Government confirm which section of Attachment A governs the scope of Sunken Grave Repair, and issue an amendment standardizing the reference across all five performance periods?

Clerical Error – For OY CLIN XXX3 should be listed as requiring 20 each. Updated CLIN Structure

5. Topic: Price Schedule Clerical Errors — Option Year Headings and Total Lines Reference: Price Schedule Section B.1 (Option Year 4 table heading; total line of every performance period table) Questions: The fifth performance-period table is headed "Option Year 1: December 1, 2030 or Date of Award through November 30, 2031," although it contains CLINs 4001 through 4020 and is evidently Option Year 4. In addition, the total line of every table, including all four option-year tables, reads "Total Price For the Base Year." Will the Government issue an amendment correcting these headings so that offerors and the evaluation team are working from an unambiguous schedule?

Clerical Error – Updated CLIN Structure

6. Topic: Mowing Frequency and Season — Estimated Number of Events Reference: PWS Section B.3 paragraph 5.a (6.83 acres of turf stand); Attachment A, Section 4 Questions: The PWS does not state the expected mowing season or the number of mowing events per year at Yellowstone National Cemetery. Will the Government provide the historical number of mowing events per season, the months during which mowing is required, and whether any period of twice-weekly mowing during active growth is anticipated? If historical data is unavailable, will the Government state an assumed number of events so that all offerors price to the same basis?

It’s difficult to determine the actual growing season or drought conditions in Montana. Based on national weather data, we estimate a season from April 15 through October 15. Annual weather conditions may affect turf growth and mowing requirement. The government cannot estimate the number of additional mowings. See Attachment A Section 6 regarding mowing requirements.

7. Topic: Blade Edging — Number of COR-Ordered Events Within CLIN 0001 Reference: Attachment A, Technical Specifications, Section 6.5.10; Price Schedule Section B.1 (CLIN 0001, 12 MO); PWS Section B.3 paragraph 5.b (6,567 linear feet of edging) Questions: Section 6.5.10 establishes four scheduled edging cycles — start of season, one week before Memorial Day, July, and September — and states that “at least two additional edging events may be scheduled by the COR.” That sets a floor with no ceiling, and all edging is priced within the firm-fixed monthly price of CLIN 0001. Will the Government (a) state the maximum number of additional COR-ordered edging events to price within CLIN 0001, or provide the historical number ordered per season;

and (b) confirm whether events beyond that number would be handled as a contract change rather than absorbed? Offerors cannot price an open-ended obligation on a common basis.

There will be at minimum of 6 blade edgings required per season. Additional edging is based on weather conditions and cemetery appearance.

8. Topic: Core Aeration — Confirmation That Semi-Annual Aeration Is Required Reference: Attachment A, Technical Specifications, Sections 4.6.8, 4.6.8.a, 4.6.8.b, 4.6.8.g and 4.6.8.h; Attachment C, Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (Aeration); Price Schedule Section B.1

(CLIN 0001, 12 MO)

Section 4.6.8.h refers to equipment “required to complete semi-annual aeration,” and Section 4.6.8.a provides that compacted and high traffic areas may be core aerified twice per year.

Section 4.6.8, however, requires core aeration “a minimum of one time per year.” Will the Government confirm that two core aerations per year are required and priced within CLIN 0001? If only one full-site aeration is required, will the Government confirm which areas are considered compacted or high traffic for the second aerification, and their approximate acreage.

Aeration must occur once per year. If site is compacted as determined by soil penetrometer readings in QASP, additional aeration may be needed.

9. Topic: Dethatching — Historical Frequency and Acreage Reference: Attachment A, Technical Specifications, Section 4.6.9; Attachment C, Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (Dethatching, thatch layer less than 0.5 inches); Price Schedule Section B.1 (CLIN

0001, 12 MO)

Questions: Section 4.6.9 states that dethatching “will only occur when necessary” and at the discretion of the COR or District Agronomist. The QASP measures the result rather than the frequency, requiring thatch under 0.5 inches. The solicitation therefore states no number of events and no area, while the work is priced within CLIN 0001. Will the Government provide the number of dethatching events per year over the last three years and the acreage of each?

There are not records of dethatching in the last three years.

10. Topic: Overseeding — Whether Full-Site Overseeding Is Required, and Relationship to CLIN Reference: Price Schedule Section B.1 (CLIN 0001 heading, “Overseeding”; CLIN 0002, Turf Establishment / Repair, 1,000 SQFT); Attachment A, Technical Specifications, Sections 5.2 and 5.4;

Attachment E, Work Summary and Progress Report, line 7 Questions: Overseeding is named in the CLIN 0001 heading and at line 7 of Attachment E, but Attachment A contains no overseeding specification — no frequency, rate or area. Section 5.2 limits sodding and seeding to “areas of the Cemetery where the turf has been disturbed or has died,” which appears to be priced separately at CLIN 0002 at 1,000 square feet per year. Will the Government confirm

(a) whether annual overseeding of the full 6.83 acres is required within CLIN 0001, or whether seeding is limited to the disturbed and dead areas of Section 5.2; (b) if full-site overseeding is required, the frequency, the rate in pounds of pure live seed per 1,000 square feet, and the seasonal window; and (c) if seeding is limited to disturbed and dead areas, that it is priced at CLIN 0002 and not duplicated within CLIN 0001? Overseeding 6.83 acres annually is materially different from seeding 1,000 square feet of repair area.

This information has been added to Attachment A Section 5.

CLIN 2 is for the repair of turf areas from other work perform such as irrigation repair or turf damage or tree removes. In some cases, these damaged areas maybe overseeded to repair damages.

11. Topic: Unimproved Grounds — Maintenance Standard and Frequency Reference: PWS Section B.3 paragraph 5.c (1.58 acres of unimproved grounds); Attachment A, Sections 4 and 5 Questions: Will the Government identify the mowing height standard and required frequency for the

1.58 acres of unimproved grounds, and confirm whether these areas are located inside the ornamental steel picket fence or outside the developed cemetery?

The PWS attachment 6.5.12 outlines the grass height and the map shows the location of the areas.

12. Topic: Tree, Shrub and Ornamental Quantities, and the Cemetery Boundary Reference: Price Schedule Section B.1 (CLIN 0001, Ornamental Maintenance; CLINs 0007 through 0010); Attachment A, Technical Specifications, Sections 8.6.1, 8.6.2 and 10.3.G; Attachment H, Cemetery Map; Attachment I, Grounds Maintenance Map Attachment A places plant and tree maintenance within CLIN 0001, and Section 8.6.1.d requires shrubs to be fertilized twice per year.

Questions: No count of trees, shrubs, or ground-cover plantings appears anywhere in the solicitation.

Aerial imagery suggests a materially smaller tree population than a five-year ornamental program would assume, and cannot distinguish plantings inside the Cemetery boundary from those on the adjoining Laurel Hill Cemetery property. Will the Government provide (a) the number of trees, broken out by DBH range where available, including the number exceeding 15 feet in height and the number exceeding 24 inches DBH; (b) the number of shrubs and ground-cover plantings?

Square footage of planting beds is provided. A full tree and shrub inventory has not been completed to determine the number of specimens. It is recommended that any potential vendor inspect the grounds during the site visit to be familiar with the ornamentals and condition.

13. Topic: Tree Maintenance Scope — Conflict Between Sections 8.6.1.i and 8.6.2 and the Tree CLINs Reference: Attachment A, Technical Specifications, Sections 8.6.1.e, 8.6.1.i and 8.6.2; Price Schedule Section B.1 (CLIN 0001 heading, Ornamental Maintenance (Mulch, Prune, Fertilizer, Pest Control); CLIN 0007, OPTION: Medium Tree Pruning, less than 40 feet, 12-24” DBH; CLIN 0008, OPTION: Small Tree Removal, under 12” DBH; CLIN 0009, OPTION: Medium Tree Removal, 1224” DBH; CLIN 0010, OPTION: Tree Planting) Questions: The solicitation sets three different boundaries for tree maintenance. Section 8.6.1.i requires the Contractor to maintain “all trees on the cemetery grounds and its entirety regardless of height.”

Section 8.6.2 limits maintenance to trees up to 15 feet, with anything above reported to the COR. CLIN 0007 then prices Medium Tree Pruning (12 to 24 inches DBH, under 40 feet) as a separately ordered option. Will the Government confirm (a) which provision sets the scope of routine pruning priced within CLIN 0001; (b) whether pruning of trees 12 to 24 inches DBH and under 40 feet is within CLIN 0001 or compensable only under CLIN 0007; (c) how trees exceeding 24 inches DBH or 40 feet are to be maintained and priced, as no CLIN covers them; (d) whether removal of dead, diseased or storm-damaged trees is compensable under CLINs 0008 and 0009 in every case, or whether removal below a stated size is within CLIN 0001; and (e) whether replacement trees planted under CLIN 0010 are Government-furnished, consistent with Section 8.6.1.e?

CLIN 001 covers tree maintenance up to 15 feet in height on all trees. Pruning needs beyond this will be determined by COR and ordered in separate CLINs. This contract does not include trees exceeding 24 inches DBH or 40 feet in height. Removals are addressed in Section 8.6.4.

Replacement trees may be provided consistent with Section 8.6.1.e.

14. Topic: Planting Beds — Mulch Quantity and Frequency Reference: PWS Section B.3 paragraph 5.d (4,749 square feet of planting beds); Attachment A, Technical Specifications, Section 8 and Section 8.6.1.f; Price Schedule Section B.1 (CLIN 0001, 12

MO)

Questions: Will the Government confirm the required depth and annual frequency of mulch replenishment across the 4,749 square feet of planting beds, and whether tree wells and mulch rings around trees in turf are included in that figure or measured separately? Because Section 8.6.1.f requires each mulch ring to extend to the drip line rather than a fixed radius, will the Government also provide the aggregate mulch ring area, or the tree and shrub counts with an average drip line diameter? Mulch volume and hand-weeding labor are priced within CLIN 0001 for five years and cannot be established without a defined ring area.

The square footage does not include tree rings. A full tree inventory has not been completed to determine the number of specimens. It is recommended that any potential vendor inspect the grounds during the site visit to be familiar with the ornamentals, condition, and extent of mulch rings. 8.6.1.f specifies mulch depth.

15. Topic: Irrigation System — Component Inventory and Coverage of Trees, Shrubs and Planting Beds Reference: Attachment A, Technical Specifications, Section 9.2 and Sections 9.3.3, 9.3.6, 9.3.8 and 9.3.9, and Section 8.6.1.h; General Conditions paragraph 10.a; Price Schedule Section B.1 (CLIN 0018, 7 MO; CLIN 0001, 12 MO)

Section 9.2 lists a 30 horsepower, 300 gpm pump station, approximately 190 rotor heads, 100 pop-up spray heads, 400 bubbler heads, 34 automatic electric control valves and a Hunter ACC2 central controller. Several components placed within the Contractor’s scope by Sections 9.3.8 and 9.3.9 do not appear in that inventory. Will the Government provide (a) the on-site quantity of backflow prevention devices, master valves, quick coupling valves, valve boxes, drip emitters, air vacuum breakers, and automatic and manual drains; (b) confirmation of whether the trees, shrubs and 4,749 square feet of planting beds are served by the 400 bubbler heads, or require supplemental watering under Section 8.6.1.h; and (c) identification of any improved area not covered by the existing system that must be watered by hose, portable tank or water truck under Section 9.3.3? Supplemental watering equipment and labor cannot be priced without the uncovered area.

A full irrigation system audit has not been completed to determine the number of components. It is recommended that any potential vendor inspect the system during the site visit to be familiar with the system and condition.

16. Topic: Irrigation Pump Station and Pump House — Existence, Condition, and Limit of Contractor Repair Liability Reference: Attachment A, Technical Specifications, Sections 9.3.1, 9.3.2, 9.3.6, 9.3.7 and 9.3.10; Price Schedule Section B.1 (CLIN 0018, Irrigation Maintenance and Repair, 7 MO) Questions: Section 9.3.7 requires the Contractor to maintain the irrigation pump station “at no additional cost to the Government,” and Section 9.3.2 requires annual winterization. Unlike the other irrigation provisions, Section 9.3.7 offers no relief: Section 9.3.6 caps the sprinkler head obligation at approximately 20 percent per year, and Section 9.3.10 addresses line and valve replacements case by case. Will the Government confirm (a) whether a pump station exists at Yellowstone National Cemetery, and if so its make, model, horsepower, age and serviceability; (b) whether replacement of a failed pump, motor, controller, flow meter or pressure tank falls within the “no additional cost” obligation, or is addressed through the changes clause as heads, lines and valves are; (c) whether the Contractor is responsible for the pump house structure itself, including its roof, door and electrical service, and for its repair; and (d) the number and cost of pump station and pump house repairs over the last three years?

Replacing a pump station component can exceed the annual value of CLIN 0018, and an unlimited repair obligation cannot be priced on a common basis.

A full irrigation system audit has not been completed to determine the number of components and age condition. One (1) pumphouse exists at the cemetery, the pump system is Baldor Reliance model 84.Z00022. It is recommended that any potential vendor inspect the system during the site visit to be familiar with the system and condition. Requirements are outlined in paragraph 9.3.7

17. Topic: Water for Contract Performance — Three Conflicting Provisions Reference: PWS Section B.3 paragraph 8.f; Attachment A, Technical Specifications, Section 4.3.2;

General Conditions paragraph 10.a, Availability and Use of Utility Services Questions: The solicitation addresses water three times and three different ways. PWS paragraph 8.f states that water will NOT be furnished. Section 4.3.2 states that “water shall be furnished by the Government at no cost to the Contractor.” General Conditions paragraph 10.a makes water available only by Contractor connection at existing locations, at the Contractor’s expense, with portable tanks or water trucks where the system is not readily available. Will the Government confirm (a) which provision governs; (b) that water drawn for irrigation, for headstone cleaning under CLIN 0016, and for power washing under CLIN 0017 is furnished at no cost, consistent with Section 4.3.2; (c) the number and location of existing hose bibs or hydrant connections available for Contractor use; and (d) whether any area is unreachable from the existing system, requiring portable tanks or a water truck? If the Contractor bears the cost of water, will the Government provide historical annual consumption?

Water use is for cemetery purposes only (irrigation, cleaning headstone, power washing facilities).

As stated in paragraph 8.f, f. “Electricity, water and phone services will NOT be furnished by the Government for the Contractor’s work area.”

18. Topic: Headstone Cleaning — Growing Inventory and Pricing Basis Reference: Price Schedule Section B.1 (CLINs 0016, 1016, 2016, 3016, 4016, 2 JOB each)

The estimated headstone count in the CLIN 0016 description increases each performance period, from 1,545 in the Base Year to 1,660, 1,775, 1,890, and 2,005 in the option years, while the paver count remains 160 and the unit of measure remains 2 JOB throughout. Will the Government consider adjusting the unit of measurement to each to accommodate the growing quantity each year?

No, the paver count does not change. The number count in each option year accounts for the estimated burial rate.

19. Topic: Headstone Setting — Number of Initial Settings Versus Replacement Settings Reference: Price Schedule Section B.1, CLIN 0014 (“Upright Headstone Initial and Replacement Setting Casket or Cremains,” 150 EA); Solicitation 36C78626Q50239, Schedule of Supplies/Services (“0014 Initial headstone setting (DBA)”); Attachment A, Technical Specifications, Sections 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3.2 Questions: CLIN 0014 combines initial and replacement headstone settings into a single estimate of 150 EA per year with no split stated. The two are not equivalent: a replacement requires removal, handling and disposal of the existing monument, excavation of the existing footing, and more turf restoration, and so carries materially more labor and disposal cost per each. Will the Government provide the anticipated number of initial and replacement settings within the 150?

Approximately 30 headstones are replacements per year.

20. Topic: Adjacent Headstone Removal During Interments — Pricing Allocation Reference: Price Schedule Section B.1 (CLINs 0011, 0012, 0013, 0015); Attachment A, Sections 1.3.3 and 3 Questions: Where adjacent headstones must be removed to gain access for an interment and are subsequently reinstalled, realigned, and cleaned, will the Government confirm whether that work is to be priced within the per-each unit price of the applicable interment CLIN (0011, 0012, or 0013), or separately invoiced as a Raise and Realign event under CLIN 0015, and whether such events count toward the estimated quantity of 20 EA at CLIN 0015?

This is a performance work statement; everything is included in the pricing. The raise and realignment CLIN are separate work.

21. Topic: Transportation of Remains — CLIN Assignment and Pallbearer Requirement Reference:

Attachment A, Technical Specifications, Sections 1.3.10 and 1.3.11; Price Schedule Section B.1 (Interment Operations heading; CLINs 0011, 0012, and 0013) Questions: Section 1.3.11 states that lowering devices are not approved for transporting remains, and requires transfer by casket carrier and/or pallbearers from the service area to the gravesite, with a casket cover where the carrier is open to view. The Price Schedule contains no line item for transportation. Will the Government confirm (a) that transportation of remains and floral arrangements from the committal service area to the gravesite is priced within CLINs 0011, 0012 and 0013 by interment type and is not separately compensable; and (b) whether the Contractor must furnish pallbearers, and if so how many per traditional casket interment?

This is a performance work statement; everything is included in the pricing.

22. Topic: Gravesite Attendant and “Other Duties as Assigned” — Scope and Hours per Service Reference: Attachment A, Technical Specifications, Section 1.3.21; Price Schedule Section B.1 (CLINs 0011, 0012, and 0013) Questions: Section 1.3.21 requires the Contractor to designate a staff member to keep visitors away from the open gravesite before the committal service and to “provide other duties as assigned by the COR.” Will the Government (a) identify the duties contemplated by that phrase; (b) state the average labor hours per committal service expected of that staff member, from arrival at the gravesite to release by the COR; and (c) confirm the CLIN under which those hours are priced, and whether duties assigned beyond Sections 1.3.1 through 1.3.22 would be handled as a contract change?

“provide other duties as assigned by the COR” is to ensure the safety of visitors around open grave sites. There may be more than one open site, and they may need to direct visors around damaged or dangerous site conditions. This is a performance work statement; everything is included in the pricing. The average burial service activity is approximately two hours.

23. Topic: Casket Carrier — Ownership and Availability at the Storage Building Reference: Attachment A, Technical Specifications, Section 14.2 (Storage Building, “items stored by the Operations Contracts (such as the casket carrier)”); Sections 1.3.10 and 1.3.11; Attachment E, Recommended Equipment List

Questions: Section 1.3.10 states that the mechanical lowering device is Contractor furnished, and Attachment E lists both a casket lowering device and a casket bier or cart as Contractor equipment.

Section 14.2, however, describes the Storage Building as holding items stored by the Operations Contracts “such as the casket carrier,” indicating one is already on site. Will the Government confirm

(a) whether that carrier is Government property available to the successor Contractor (b) if Government property, its type, capacity and serviceability; and (c) whether any other interment equipment is on site and available for Contractor use?

No, equipment is provided by the government. Any government owned burial equipment is for government use only. The contract awardee must provide their own equipment and be ready on day 1 to perform burial services.

24. Topic: Snow and Ice Removal — Historical Event Frequency Reference: Attachment A, Technical Specifications, Sections 11.3.1 through 11.3.4; Price Schedule Section B.1 (CLIN 0017, 12 MO) Questions: Section 11.3.1 establishes a two-inch trigger depth and daylight-hours response, Section

11.3.3 requires anti-icing pre-treatment before each event and daily morning policing including weekends, and Section 11.3.4 requires a Contractor-furnished environmentally friendly deicer. The solicitation gives no indication of how often these are triggered. Will the Government provide the number of snow and ice events per season requiring response over the last three seasons, and the number of days weekend refreeze policing was required? Snow and ice response is the most variable cost in CLIN 0017; if historical data is unavailable, will the Government state an assumed number of events for pricing?

The government has no historical data. However, a general search of weather station sites estimates the area averages 38 days of snow accumulation or light snow per year

25. Topic: Hard Surface Maintenance — Component Quantities and Power Washing Frequency Reference: Price Schedule Section B.1 (CLIN 0017); PWS Section B.3 paragraph 6 (88,552 square feet); Attachment A, Technical Specifications, Sections 11 and 10.3.E Questions: Attachment A Section 10.3.E establishes that walkways, roads and parking areas shall be swept prior to interment services or weekly, whichever is more frequent, so the sweeping component of CLIN 0017 is defined. The power washing component is not. Will the Government confirm (a) whether the 88,552 square feet cited at PWS paragraph 6 represents the total of all hard surfaces subject to all services under CLIN 0017, or only the area subject to snow and ice removal; (b) the separate square footage of roadways, parking areas, sidewalks, curbs and the committal shelter; and (c) the required annual frequency of power washing of sidewalks, curbs, the committal shelter and entrance areas?

Yes, the square footage cited is used. Also look at the map for estimates.

26. Topic: Grave Flags — Supply, Avenue Flags, and Retention Versus Retirement After Memorial Day Reference: Attachment A, Technical Specifications, Sections 13.1 and 12.1.1.2; PWS Section B.3 paragraph 5, item 13 (storage structure/container for headstones and avenue/gravesite flags); Attachment C, Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (Placement and removal of gravesite flags); Price Schedule Section B.1 (CLIN 0019, 1 JOB) Questions: Section 13.1 requires a small flag on each gravesite not more than three days before Memorial Day, removed the first workday after, under 100 percent inspection. Section 13 does not address supply, avenue flags, or disposition after removal. Section 12.1.1.2 requires all American flags to be rolled and given to the COR for proper disposal, while PWS paragraph 5, item 13 makes the Contractor responsible for a storage structure for avenue and gravesite flags. Will the Government confirm (a) whether gravesite flags are Government- or Contractor-furnished, and if Contractor furnished, whether replacement of damaged or lost flags is within CLIN 0019; (b) the number of gravesite and avenue flags to be placed, and whether avenue flag placement falls within CLIN 0019 or the Memorial Day special event setup at Section 15.e; (c) whether flags removed after Memorial Day are retained and reused, consistent with the storage structure requirement, or turned in for retirement under Section 12.1.1.2, and if retained, where they are stored given PWS paragraph 8.b and Section 14.2; and

(d) whether volunteers or NCA staff participate in placement or collection, and if so whether the Contractor supervises them? Whether roughly 1,545 flags are reused or replaced annually is a material difference in the CLIN 0019 unit price.

Gravesite flags for Memorial day are government furnished and reused year to year. Flags located on gravesites left by visitors will be properly disposed of and the contractor is responsible for placing the gravesite flags for Memorial Day.

27. Topic: Storage Building — Conflict Between PWS Paragraph 8.b and Attachment A Section 14.2 Reference: PWS Section B.3 paragraph 8.b; Attachment A, Technical Specifications, Section 14.2; PWS Section B.3, Submittals table (Proposed Staging Area fence layout) Questions: PWS paragraph 8.b states that the Government will NOT furnish a storage building at the Cemetery site for use by the Contractor. Attachment A Section 14.2 states that there is a stand-alone Storage Building of 126 square feet and that “the Contractor can utilize this space to store supplies.” Will the Government confirm which provision governs, and if the 126 square foot Storage Building is available to the Contractor, confirm what portion of it the Contractor may use given the items already stored there by the Operations Contracts? Will the Government also identify the location and approximate dimensions of the Contractor Staging Area, confirm whether a locked storage container and equipment trailer may be placed there, confirm whether the Contractor is required to fence the area at its own expense as the Submittals table implies, and confirm whether electrical service is available at that location?

The storage building is for government use, but the contractor may store janitorial supplies as outlined in the attachment. The contractor staging area is identified on the map and many change in size/location as expansion projects are needed. The staging area is approximately quarter acres

28. Topic: Herbicide Spot Applications — Historical Frequency and Response Obligation Reference: Attachment A, Technical Specifications, Sections 4.6.4, 4.6.4.e and 4.6.4.e.6, and Table 4.6.4; Attachment C, Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (Weed Control); Price Schedule Section

B.1 (CLIN 0001, 12 MO)

Questions: Section 4.6.4.e establishes a defined broadcast program of two pre-emergent and three post-emergent applications. Section 4.6.4.e.6 states that spot applications “occur as needed” at COR order, to be scheduled within five business days of written request. The solicitation sets no limit on the number of spot applications and no bound on treated area, while requiring turf 95 percent weed free and paths and pavers 98 percent weed free year-round, all within CLIN 0001. Will the Government (a) provide the number of COR-ordered spot applications per year over the last three years and the typical treated area per event; (b) if unavailable, state an assumed number and treated area for pricing; and (c) confirm whether spot applications materially in excess of that number would be handled as a contract change rather than absorbed within CLIN 0001?

All herbicide applications or other management options necessary to maintain a 95% weed free cemetery are included in CLIN 001.

29. Topic: Soil Amendments and Biological Soil Conditioners — Allowable Products Reference: Attachment A, Technical Specifications, Sections 4.3.3, 4.3.6, 4.6.2.e and 4.6.3; Price Schedule Section B.1 (CLIN 0004, OPTIONAL: Soil Amendments); NCA SOP 41-SOP-021, Turfgrass Maintenance; NCA Handbook 3410, Integrated Pest Management Procedures for VA National Cemeteries Questions: Section 4.6.3 states that soil amendments “could include lime, gypsum, elemental sulfur, or compost.” Can the Government confirm, for pricing, whether one JOB under CLIN 0004 is a single amendment applied across the full 6.83 acres or all four materials, which amendment or amendments the Government anticipates ordering, and the target rate per 1,000 square feet?

When soil tests indicate a need for soil amendments, the Contractor shall apply amendments at the rates indicated in those tests.

30. Topic: Limitations on Subcontracting and Subcontractor Past Performance Reference: Solicitation 36C78626Q50239, 100 percent SDVOSB set-aside; Source Selection Plan, Factor 1 paragraph (g) and Factor 2; FAR 52.219-14 Questions: Will the Government confirm (a) the applicable limitation on subcontracting for this service requirement; and (b) that the experience and past performance of a proposed subcontractor performing a substantial portion of the work will be given meaningful consideration under Factors 1 and 2, and that relevant past performance may include work performed by the offeror as a major subcontractor on a prior National Cemetery Administration contract?

Limitations on Subcontracting are outlined in 52.219-14, as a service contract 50% limitation rules apply. The government does not have a legal relationship with the subcontractor and does not approve subcontractors. The evaluation will be based on the prospective contractor and the contractor teaming arrangement as outlined in the FAR. Submit teaming arrangements with the bid for considerations.

31. Topic: Contractor’s Quality Control Plan — Required With the Quote?

Reference: PWS Section B.3 paragraph 16, Contractor’s Quality Control Plan (QCP); PWS Section B.3 paragraph 15.h, Submittals table; PWS Section B.3, Program Objectives; Source Selection Plan, Factor 1 Questions: PWS paragraph 16 states that the QCP “shall be forwarded to the Contracting Officer along with the requested initial proposal.” The Submittals table at paragraph 15.h does not list the QCP at all, and lists only a Work Plan/Staffing Plan as due with the proposal. Factor 1 does not identify a QCP among the items evaluated, and Program Objectives separately requires a “detailed performance plan.”

Will the Government confirm (a) whether a complete QCP addressing every element of paragraph 16 must be submitted with the quote, or is due after award; (b) if required with the quote, whether it will be evaluated under Factor 1 or accepted administratively; (c) whether the Work Plan/Staffing Plan, the detailed performance plan and the QCP are three separate documents or may be combined; and (d) whether the Government will amend the Submittals table and the Factor 1 criteria so all offerors submit on the same basis?

Yes, the Quality Control Plan is required with the quote. The documents are separate, each are evaluated as part of the PWS and on how well the technical approach meets the Government requirements.

32. Topic: Incumbent Contract and Service Contract Act Successorship Reference: FAR 52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards; FAR 52.222-43 Questions: Will the Government identify the incumbent contractor and the incumbent contract number for services at Yellowstone National Cemetery, and total contract value?

The incumbent is AB Cemetery Management under contract 36C78621D0117.

33. Irrigation Mainline Between the Pump Station and the Zone Valves — Unassigned Responsibility

Reference: Attachment A, Technical Specifications, Section 9.2 and Sections 9.3.7, 9.3.8, 9.3.9 and 9.3.10; Price Schedule Section B.1 (CLIN 0018, 7 MO)

Questions: Section 9.2 places the pump station approximately one-half mile east of the main entrance and makes the Contractor responsible for the system “at and downstream of all zone valves.” Section

9.3.7 separately assigns pump station maintenance to the Contractor at no additional cost. The Contractor is therefore responsible for the pump station and for everything at and downstream of the 34 zone valves, while no party is assigned the mainline piping between the two. Will the Government confirm (a) which party is responsible for repair and replacement of the mainline piping, isolation valves and any air relief or drain assemblies between the pump station discharge and the zone valves; (b) the approximate length, material, diameter and installation date of that mainline; and (c) whether a mainline failure would be addressed through the changes clause, consistent with Section 9.3.10? A mainline break on a run of this length is a five-figure event and cannot be priced as an unassigned risk within a seven-month firm-fixed CLIN.

The mainline is the responsibility of the government and any defects will be addressed as a separate contract as needed.

34. Topic: Headstone Unloading and Uncrating — No Corresponding CLIN, Delivery Frequency or Lot Size

Reference: Attachment A, Technical Specifications, Sections 3.3.4, 3.3.5, 3.3.6 and 3.3.7; PWS Section B.3 paragraph 5 (approximately 150 headstone settings per year); Price Schedule Section B.1 (headstone setting CLINs)

Questions: Section 3.3.4 requires the Contractor to unload headstones, uncrate all stones received and remove crating and adhesive residue, and Section 3.3.6 requires staging at a COR-designated area pending inspection under Section 3.3.5. No line in the Price Schedule covers unloading, uncrating or staging, and the headstone CLINs are priced per stone set. Will the Government provide (a) the frequency of headstone deliveries and the typical number of stones per delivery; (b) confirmation of whether unloading, uncrating and staging are priced within the per-stone CLINs or are a separate obligation?

This is a performance work statement; everything is included in the pricing of headstone installation. Headstone deliveries are dependent on the number of burials and when they are shipped from the inscriber.

35. Topic: Vault Toilet Pumping — Required Frequency

Reference: Attachment A, Technical Specifications, Section 14.2 and Sections 14.3.2.a through 14.3.2.j; Price Schedule Section B.1

Questions: Section 14.3.2.a states that each of the two restrooms has a 1,000-gallon sewage holding vault, and Sections 14.3.2.c through 14.3.2.j prescribe pumping, debris removal, disposal, precharging and disinfection in detail, including pumping each vault dry to under one inch of residual effluent and recharging with approximately 80 gallons of clean water. Section 14 states no pumping frequency, and none is derivable from the text. Will the Government provide the number of pumping events per year for each vault over the last three years, or state an assumed annual frequency for pricing? Pumping, hauling and permitted disposal of a 1,000-gallon vault is a discrete event requiring a licensed subcontractor, and absent a stated frequency offerors will price anywhere from one to six events per vault per year.

We do not maintain historical data on the number of time the incumbent contractor performed the services.

36. Past Performance — Whether References for a Proposed Major Subcontractor May Be Submitted

Reference: Source Selection Plan, Section III, Factor 1 (Technical Approach and Understanding of the Work), subparagraph g; Source Selection Plan, Section III, Factor 2 (Past Performance)

Questions: Factor 1 requires “qualifications of any proposed subcontractors and percentage of work they will perform,” so subcontractor qualifications are within the technical evaluation. Factor 2 evaluates “the Contractor’s technical qualifications on projects within the last 5 years,” identifies CPARS and “any other reasonable basis” as sources, but does not address subcontractors. Will the Government confirm (a) whether an offeror may submit, among the three required references, past performance describing work by a proposed major subcontractor performing a substantial portion of this requirement, whether that firm performed as prime or as a major subcontractor; (b) how such references should be identified so the evaluator can associate each with the subcontractor and its portion of work; and (c) whether a CPARS record in the subcontractor’s name may be cited?

The government does not have a legal relationship with the subcontractor and does not approve subcontractors. The evaluation will be based on the prospective contractor and the contractor teaming arrangement as outlined in the FAR. Submit teaming arrangements with the bid for considerations.

37. Topic: Restroom Servicing — Required Frequency and Whether Weekend Service Is Required

Reference: Attachment A, Technical Specifications, Section 14.2 and Sections 14.3.1.a through 14.3.1.i; PWS Section B.3, General Conditions paragraph 15.a (Work Hours); Price Schedule Section

B.1 (CLIN 0020, 12 MO)

Questions: Section 14.3.1 references cleaning "daily" (14.3.1.c, 14.3.1.g) and "at least weekly"

(14.3.1.a), and 14.3.1.b refers to work performed "during the service" without defining it. Can the Government confirm the required restroom service frequency — five days per week (Monday–Friday, consistent with the work hours in Section 15.a), or seven days per week? If weekend or holiday service is required, is it limited to special events and Memorial Day weekend, or ongoing?

It is required Monday thru Friday. If Memorial Day events fall on the weekend, the restrooms will require an extra day of cleaning.

38. Topic: Basis of Award — Whether Award Is Lowest Price Technically Acceptable, and Relative Importance of Factors

Reference: Source Selection Plan, Section II (Basis of Award) and Section III (Evaluation Factors 1, 2 and 3); Administrative Guidance for Offerors

Questions: Section II states that the Government intends to award to the responsible offeror whose price is reasonable and whose quote is technically acceptable, and that offerors failing any technical acceptability factor are ineligible. Section III lists Factor 1 Technical Approach, Factor 2 Past Performance, and Factor 3 Price, evaluated “for completeness/accuracy in the provided CLIN structure.”

The Plan states neither the relative importance of the factors nor how award is made among multiple offerors who are all technically acceptable at a reasonable price. Will the Government confirm (a) whether award is on a lowest price technically acceptable or best value tradeoff basis; (b) whether Factors 1 and 2 are evaluated acceptable / unacceptable or on a rating scale; (c) whether Factor 2 is itself a technical acceptability factor, such that neutral or unavailable past performance would make an offeror ineligible; and (d) whether the Source Selection Plan is incorporated into the solicitation as the governing evaluation criteria, and if so whether it will be issued by amendment as a numbered attachment?

39. Headstone Cleaning — Whether NCA-Approved Biological Cleaning Agents May Be Used

Reference: Attachment A, Technical Specifications, Sections 2.2, 2.3.1, 2.4.2 and 2.4.3; Attachment C, Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan; Price Schedule Section B.1 (CLIN 0016, 2 JOB)

Questions: Section 2.4.2 requires clean water for headstone cleaning, and Section 2.4.3 permits removal of soil, staining and discoloration with plain water and a stiff brush, prohibiting wire brushes, bleach, solvents and abrasive cleaners or blasting. Section 2.2 nevertheless requires removal of mold, mildew, moss, algae, lichen and fungus from granite. These are established biological growths that water and brushing alone will not reliably remove, and the National Cemetery Administration approves non-ionic, pH-neutral biological cleaning agents for monument cleaning. Will the Government confirm whether a non-ionic, pH-neutral biological cleaning agent, for example Weatherzyme, may be applied to granite headstones and POW Walk Pavers under CLIN 0016?

Yes, Weatherzyme is an acceptable product.

40. Topic: Mowing Patterns — Whether Cross-Cutting Is Required at Every Mowing

Reference: Attachment A, Technical Specifications, Section 6.5.5 and Sections 6.5.1 through 6.5.4;

Attachment C, Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan; Price Schedule Section B.1 (CLIN 0001, 12 MO)

Questions: Section 6.5.5 requires the Contractor to change direction, cross-cut, change patterns and vary mower wheel width patterns after each mowing in order to reduce turf wear and prevent wheel rutting.

Can the government confirm whether cross cutting is required between headstone columns, perpendicular to headstone rows, or…