36C78626Q50257 0001 Q and A.pdf

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

NOTE: OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24 & 30 1. REQUISITION NUMBER

F367463-27-2000000

PAGE 1 OF

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

36C78626Q50257 0001

2. CONTRACT NUMBER 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE 4. ORDER NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE

DATE

10/13/2026

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

a. NAME David Hester

b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (No collect calls) 8. OFFER DUE DATE / LOCAL

TIME

10/29/2026 17:00

CODE 36C786

NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMIN (786)

NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMINISTRATION

DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

18434 JOPLIN RD.

TRIANGLE, VA 22172

9. ISSUED BY UNRESTRICTED OR X SET ASIDE: 100.00 % FOR

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

X SERVICE-DISALBED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

(SDVOSB)

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (WOSB)

ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED WOMEN-

OWNED SMALL BUSINESS (EDWOSB)

8(A)

NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY

CLASSIFICATION STANDARD

(NAICS): 561730

SIZE STANDARD: 9.5 million

10. THE ACQUISITION IS

SEE

SCHEDULE

11. DELIVERY FOR FREE ON BOARD

(FOB) DESTINATION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

0 Days: 0.00 %

0 Days: 0.00 % 0 Days: 0.00 % 0 Days: 0.00 %

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS

RATED ORDER UNDER THE

DEFENSE PRIORITIES AND

ALLOCATIONS SYSTEM –

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

X REQUEST

FOR

QUOTE

(RFQ)

INVITATION

FOR BID

(IFB)

REQUEST

FOR

PROPOSAL

(RFP)

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

367463CODE15. DELIVER TO

HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY (851)

DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (851)

HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

10410 VETERANS MEMORIAL DR.

HOUSTON, TX 77038

CODE 36C78616. ADMINISTERED BY

NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMIN (786)

NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMINISTRATION

DEPT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

18434 JOPLIN RD.

TRIANGLE, VA 22172

FACILITY

CODE

CODE

TELEPHONE NUMBER

17a. CONTRACTOR/

OFFEROR

NCA-VACOCODE18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

TUNGSTEN

http://www.tungsten-network.com/customer-campaigns/ veterans-affairs/

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN

OFFER SEE ADDENDUM

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS

CHECKED

19. ITEM NUMBER 20. SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

21. QUANTITY 22. UNIT 23. UNIT PRICE 24. AMOUNT

See Continuation Page (Section 1) Below

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Government Use Only)

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE (FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION) FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3

AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN ____ COPIES TO

ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH

OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE

TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REFERENCE _____________________________

OFFER DATED _________________ . YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK

5) INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF THE CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) David Hester

31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

Document Number: 36C78626Q50257 Page 2 of 33

19.

ITEM NUMBER

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED: _________________________________

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE 32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

PARTIAL FINAL

33. SHIP NUMBER 34. VOUCHER NUMBER 35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

COMPLETE PARTIAL FINAL

36. PAYMENT 37. CHECK NUMBER

38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER 39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER 40. PAID BY

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT 42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER 41c. DATE

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD) 42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021) BACK

Vendor 1

1.-4. Covered errors in Solicitation and were corrected.

5. Is there an aggregate IDIQ minimum or guaranteed quantity/value? Also, how will price be evaluated across the base and option periods?

An aggregate minimum is not guaranteed. See SOW B for order minimum.

Proposed price will be evaluated for LPTA and accuracy in the provided CLIN structure.

6. The solicitation uses “VIP-listed SDVOSB” terminology. Please confirm the current VA/SBA verification evidence required for offerors and for similarly situated SDVOSB subcontractors.

SDVOSB Certification is required.

7. For the services limitation on subcontracting, please clarify whether direct sod-material costs receive any different treatment and what order-level documentation VA expects.

See FAR Part 52.219-14 (e) (1)

Vendor 2

Order History and Quantities

1. How many task orders were placed in each of the last two years for sod delivery and installation, delivery only, and turf repair work, and what was the total square footage for each?

In 2026, the cemetery ordered approximately 75,000 sq ft of sod to be delivered and installed; and approximately 16,000 sq ft of sod for delivery only (additional orders anticipated in 2026).

Data is not available for 2025.

2. The SOW describes one to two orders per month from February through November at approximately 8,100 sq ft each, while the estimated quantity for CLIN 0001 is 50,000 sq ft per year. Which better reflects expected ordering?

50,000 sq ft is the maximum quantity on the contract for CLIN 0001. 8,100 sq ft is an estimate. See SOW B For each placed order, the US Government guarantees a minimum order of 1,350 square feet (3 pallets). The maximum amount of sod ordered under each task order shall not exceed 12,150 square feet (27 pallets).

3. Is there a guaranteed minimum for the overall contract, or only the per-order minimums stated in the SOW?

There is not an overall guaranteed minimum.

4. How likely is the Government to order under Option CLIN 0003, and how often has similar turf repair work been ordered in the past?

This is an Option CLIN that has not previously been on the contract.

5. Is there an incumbent contractor for this requirement? If so, please provide the current or previous contract number.

Current contract number: 36C78622D0022

Pricing and Submission

7. Should pricing be submitted per square foot only, or per pallet as well? Will invoicing be based on square feet delivered or square feet installed and accepted?

Submit pricing in the provided CLIN structure.

SOW D.4. Once grass sod is installed, contractor shall notify COR for inspection and acceptance of work, prior to submitting invoice(s). Contractor is responsible for replacing any grass sod delivered and installed that does not meet the requirements stated in this scope of work within two (2) weeks after planting.

8. What is the required submission method and email address?

david.hester@va.gov

Performance Requirements

9. Will the grower's TifTuf licensing documentation satisfy the certification requirement, or is third-party certification required?

TifTuf bermudagrass must be certified and sourced from a grower licensed by the Turfgrass Group, Inc.

10. What preservation methods would be acceptable if sod cannot be installed within 24 hours of harvest?’

This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

11. Is the three-business-day window measured from the email order or the confirming phone call, and how are weather-related delays handled?

It is measured from the email order.

12. For delivery-only orders (CLIN 0002), where should sod be delivered, and may the delivery truck's forklift unload on paved cemetery roads?

Sod will usually be delivered near the active first internment area; currently this is Section Y1.

Yes, the delivery truck’s forklift may unload on paved cemetery roads.

13. Is a staging area available for equipment during each installation day?

Generally, the contractor stages near the current active first internment area; staging area may be coordinated with COR.

Past Performance

14. Will commercial (non-federal) projects, or projects performed by key personnel or a teaming subcontractor, be accepted toward the three required past performance references?

Only prime contractor performance will be assessed. The government does not have a legal relationship with the subcontractor and does not approve subcontractors. Non-federal projects by the prime contractor can be assessed.

Vendor 3

1. For the past performance requirement, may the offeror include comparable past performance from a proposed first-tier subcontractor that will perform the sod delivery and installation work, provided that subcontractor is clearly identified in the quote?

Only prime contractor performance will be assessed. The government does not have a legal relationship with the subcontractor and does not approve subcontractors.

2. Is subcontracting permitted under this solicitation, subject to FAR 52.219-14 and VAAR 852.219-75, if Walthall Federal remains the SDVOSB prime contractor and the first-tier subcontractor is also a similarly situated SDVOSB small business performing the work with its own employees?

Yes, subcontracting is permitted adhering to FAR Part 52.219.

Vendor 4

1. Limitations on subcontracting: Under VAAR 852.219-75 (services, 50%), is the cost of the TifTuf sod material for CLINs x001 and x003 excluded from the subcontracting calculation as an other direct cost, or does the full CLIN price count? Will CLIN x002 (deliver sod, materials only) be treated as a supply line item for this purpose?

See FAR Part 52.219-14 (e) (1).

2. Past performance: Will the Government consider the past performance of a proposed subcontractor or teaming partner toward Factor 2? Will an offeror with no record of relevant past performance be rated neutral (acceptable)?

Only prime contractor performance will be assessed. 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 consideration.

Offeror past performance is evaluated according to Factor 2.

4. Historical data: Can you share the actual square footage ordered under the current or previous sod contract for FY2025 and FY2026, and the current contract number?

In 2026, the cemetery ordered approximately 75,000 sq ft of sod to be delivered and installed; and approximately 16,000 sq ft of sod for delivery only (additional orders anticipated in 2026).

Data is not available for 2025.

Current contract number: 36C78622D0022

5. Pallet size: Please confirm that a pallet is 450 sq ft for ordering and invoicing (8,100 sq ft = 18 pallets in the SOW).

Correct – a pallet is 450 sq ft.

6. Delivery logistics: For delivery-only orders (CLIN x002) and staging for installation orders, is there a designated offload area outside the burial sections where a truck-mounted forklift may be used?

Generally, the contractor stages near the current active first internment area; staging area may be coordinated with COR. The delivery truck’s forklift may unload on paved cemetery roads.

Vendor 5

Please clarify the delivery and unloading requirements for CLIN 0002, Sod Delivery Only, and the corresponding option-year CLINs:

1. Will each order be unloaded at one designated receiving location, or must the contractor distribute and unload pallets at multiple locations within the cemetery?

Generally, the contractor stages near the current active first internment area. Staging area may be coordinated with COR.

2. If multiple unloading locations are required, what is the maximum number of stops per order, and will locations be identified when the order is placed?

Multiple unloading locations are not required. Staging area may be coordinated with COR.

3. Who is responsible for unloading, and will the cemetery provide any unloading equipment? If contractor equipment is required, may a truck-mounted forklift unload in a designated area outside burial sections, or will light-duty utility carts be necessary?

The contractor is responsible for unloading; the government will not provide unloading equipment, supplies, labor, staff, etc.

A skid steer with forklift attachment is permitted in most first internment areas. Light-duty utility carts are required for sod installation on subsequent internments and may be required at times for first internments.

These details will help us account accurately for delivery time, labor, and equipment in the required square-foot unit price.

Vendor 6

For the limitations on subcontracting (FAR 52.219-14 and VAAR 852.219-75), does the cost of the sod material itself count toward the 50% services limit, or only the installation labor?

If the sod is treated as supplies, does the supplies limit apply to that portion?

See FAR Part 52.219-14 (e) (1).

Vendor 7

1. Errors in solicitation were corrected.

2. CLIN 4001 estimated quantity. The Continuation Sheet and the Deliveries or Performance table both state a maximum quantity of 58,000 square feet for CLIN 4001. The price schedule states 60,000 square feet. Please confirm which figure offerors should use, given that Factor 3 evaluates accuracy in the provided CLIN structure.

58,000 sq ft is the maximum quantity on the contract for CLIN 4001. Use the provided CLIN structure.

3. Errors in solicitation were corrected.

4. Base-year CLIN 0003. CLIN 0003 is described as "OPTION: Sod Installation and Delivery per COR instructions" but is labeled "Pricing Options: Base" in the Continuation Sheet.

Please confirm whether CLIN 0003 is part of the base requirement or an option to be separately exercised, and whether its price is included in the total evaluated price.

CLIN 003 is designated as an OPTION CLIN. Proposed price will be evaluated for LPTA and accuracy in the provided CLIN structure.

5. Guaranteed contract minimum. FAR 52.216-22(b) states the Government shall order at least the quantity designated in the Schedule as the minimum. The Schedule lists maximum quantities only. The Statement of Work states per-order minimums of 1,350 square feet for CLIN 001 and 900 square feet for CLINs 002 and 003, which appear to be minimum order sizes rather than a contract guaranteed minimum. Please state the guaranteed minimum quantity or dollar value for the base period and for each option period.

An aggregate minimum is not guaranteed.

6. Order volume versus CLIN maximum quantity. The Statement of Work states that orders under CLIN 001 will occur approximately once or twice a month during a growing season running February through November, at approximately 8,100 square feet per order, with March and April having multiple orders. At that frequency and order size, annual volume would substantially exceed the 50,000 square foot maximum stated for CLIN 0001. Please confirm whether the 50,000 square foot figure is a binding maximum under FAR 52.216- 22(b), and if so, how the Government intends to reconcile it with the stated order frequency.

50,000 sq ft is the maximum quantity on the contract for CLIN 001. 8,100 sq ft is an estimate. See SOW B: For each placed order, the US Government guarantees a minimum order of 1,350 square feet (3 pallets). The maximum amount of sod ordered under each task order shall not exceed 12,150 square feet (27 pallets).

7. Service Contract Act labor categories. FAR 52.222-42 is included with the employee class and monetary wage-fringe benefit table left blank. Please identify the labor categories the Government expects to be employed under this contract, or confirm that offerors should map their own categories to Wage Determination 2015-5233.

This is up to the offeror to figure out

8. Materials cost and the 50 percent limitation on subcontracting. VAAR 852.219-75(a)(1)(i), Services, is checked. The services paragraph does not contain the "excluding the cost of materials" language found in the general construction and special trade construction paragraphs. Please confirm whether amounts paid by the prime contractor to a non-certified supplier for the sod material itself count toward the 50 percent limitation, or whether that material cost may be treated as an excluded other direct cost under 13 CFR 125.6.

See FAR Part 52.219-14 (e) (1).

9. Compliance measurement period. Both FAR 52.219-14(f)(1) and VAAR 852.219-73(e) are checked for compliance "by the end of the performance period for each order issued under the contract." Please confirm that the 50 percent limitation is measured separately against each individual task order and is not averaged across the base or option period.

See FAR Part 52.219-14 (f) (1). It is measured at the end of the performance of the Base+ contract period.

11. Applicability of FAR 52.219-6 and 52.219-9. Both appear in the clause list. This acquisition is a 100 percent SDVOSB set-aside under VAAR 852.219-73 and all eligible offerors are small business concerns. Please confirm that 52.219-6 and 52.219-9 do not apply and that no subcontracting plan is required with the quote.

No subcontracting plan is required.

12. Submission method and format. The solicitation does not state how quotes are to be submitted. Please state the required submission method, any file size or file format limitations, any file naming convention, and the number of copies required, noting that SF- 1449 Block 28 is blank.

Please Email directly to the POC david.hester@va.gov PDF File size within reason. If it is to large, the email system will reject it.

mailto:david.hester@va.gov

13. Proposal format and page limits. The solicitation does not state a volume or tab structure, page limits, font, margins, or file format for the technical and past performance submissions. Please confirm there are no such limits or state them.

No, Limits

14. FAR 52.212-3 and 52.212-5. SF-1449 Block 27a indicates these are attached. Neither provision appears in the 36-page package. Please confirm whether offerors must submit a completed 52.212-3 or whether the Government will rely on the offeror's annual representations and certifications in SAM.gov.

We will refer to SAM.gov

15. Site Visit – Covered Directly

16. Past performance where the offeror has no CPARS record. The Source Selection Plan requires a minimum of three recent projects within the last five years but does not state how the Government will evaluate an offeror with no prior federal prime contract record or no CPARS entries. Please state whether such an offeror will receive a neutral rating, and whether subcontract or commercial past performance may be submitted in satisfaction of this factor.

Only prime contractor performance will be assessed. Non-federal projects by the prime contractor can be assessed.

Vendor 8

In reference to Solicitation 36C78626Q50257 (Houston National Cemetery Sod Delivery and Installation IDIQ), Section C.1 of the Scope of Work specifies Certified TifTuf Bermudagrass.

Market research with commercial turfgrass growers in the Greater Houston area indicates that local availability of certified TifTuf within the required 24-hour harvest-to-installation window is severely limited. However, Certified Tifway 419 Bermudagrass is readily accessible from regional farms.

Will the Government consider issuing an amendment allowing Certified Tifway 419 Bermudagrass as an approved equal or alternate cultivar under Section C.1?

No.