P02 Sources Sought JBNC Fertilizer.pdf

THE SUBMISSION OF PRICING, CAPABILITIES FOR PLANNING PURPOSES, AND OTHER MARKET

INFORMATION IS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED AND ALLOWED UNDER THIS RFI IN ACCORDANCE WITH

(IAW) FAR 15.201(e).

This is a SOURCES SOUGHT ANNOUNCEMENT ONLY.

It is neither a solicitation announcement nor a request for proposals or quotes and does not obligate the Government to award a contract. Requests for a solicitation will not receive a response. Responses to this sources sought must be in writing. The purpose of this sources sought announcement is for market research to make appropriate acquisition decisions and to gain knowledge of potential qualified Service- Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses and Veteran Owned Small Businesses interested and capable of providing the services described below.

Documentation on technical expertise must be presented in sufficient detail for the Government to determine that your company possesses the necessary functional area expertise and experience to compete for this acquisition.

The North American Classification System (NAICS) code for this acquisition is NAICS Code

325311 Manufacturing Nitrogenous Fertilizer (1,050 employees)

**Responses to this notice shall include Sources Sought number “36C78627Q50003 Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery” in the subject line of the email no later than 9/30/2026 @ 4:00 pm EST sent to April.Graves@va.gov

**The following shall be provided in the capabilities statement or in body of email:

1. Company name

2. Address

3. Point of contact

4. Phone, fax, and email

5. UIE number

6. Type of Large or small business, e.g. Services Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, Veteran-owned small business?

7. Must provide a capability statement that addresses the organizations qualifications and ability to perform as a contractor for the work described below.

8. Provide any relevant FSS, NAC, GSA Contract vehicles the company holds if applicable.

a. If you are an FSS GSA/NAC or NASA SEWP contract holder or other federal contract holder, are the items/solutions you are providing information for available on your schedule/contract?

9. Please review salient characteristics/ and provide feedback or suggestions. If none, please reply as N/A.

a. List any available options to meet needs as outlined in the statement of need below

i. Include any resources to support suggested products.

b. Please include any questions about the statement of need below.

c. Please provide sample pricing for market research purposes of each deliverable if available.

TURF TYPE TALL FESCUE SEED & FERTILIZER

GENERAL INFORMATION

This Statement of Work describes the basic objectives and materials needed for Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

INTRODUCTION

The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration (NCA), honors Veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our nation. There are approximately 157 National Cemeteries in 43 states and Puerto Rico that receive visitors, hold ceremonies, and conduct committal services on an ongoing basis.

Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery (JBNC) is one (1) of three (3) Missouri -based national cemeteries. JBNC is located at 2900 Sheridan Rd., St Louis, MO 63125.

BACKGROUND

National Cemeteries are National Shrines, as codified in 38 U.S. Code § 2403 (c), “All national and other veterans’ cemeteries under the control of the National Cemetery Administration shall be considered National Shrines as a tribute to our gallant dead …”. A national shrine is a place of honor and memory that declares to the visitor or family member who views it that, within its majestic setting, every Veteran may find a sense of serenity, historic sacrifice, and nobility of purpose. Each visitor should depart feeling that the grounds, the gravesites, and the surroundings of the national cemetery are a beautiful and awe-inspiring tribute to those who gave much to preserve our Nation’s freedom and way of life.

The overall responsibility of the Contractor is to plan and perform the activities associated with statements of work as described herein, which are required to maintain an acceptable appearance of the cemetery grounds. Every action by contracting personnel at a national cemetery must be performed with special care, reverence, dignity, and respect that acknowledges the cemetery as the final resting place that commemorates the service and sacrifice that service members, Veterans and their families made for our Nation. Critically important is the awareness required when scheduling and performing work to not interrupt or disrupt cemetery operations.

The standards of maintenance and appearance at these cemeteries must reflect this nation's concern for those interred. For this reason, strict adherence to the specifications described in the attachments, which are based on the National Cemetery Administration, National Shrine Commitment, Operational Standards and Measures, is mandatory.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The Contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to provide Turf Type Tall fescue seed, Fertilizer and Granular Pre-emergent materials to the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

Specific location, size, materials and services required for the cemetery are as follows:

Cemetery Address Acreage Required Supplies Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery

2900 Sheridan Rd., St Louis, MO 63125

Approx +/- 272 acres of turfgrass Turf Type Tall fescue seed, Fertilizer and Liquid Pre-emergent

A. PRODUCT

The contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, materials and supplies required to deliver quantities of fertilizers and chemicals as set forth to the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Performance includes FOB Destination. Upon award specific Deliveries(s) date(s) will be established between the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and the contractor. Reference deliveries table below for anticipated delivery months.

The delivery shall be performed Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Central Standard Time (CST), except for Federal Holidays. Any alternate delivery dates/times shall be coordinated with the COR. Specific delivery dates may change due to the weather and schedule of cemetery operations but will occur within specified month. All Turf Type Tall Fescue Seed, Fertilizer and Granular Pre-Emerge shall meet specifications within the contract. The product labels shall be verified prior to award and confirmed by signature receipt upon delivery by authorized cemetery staff.

B. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

Products under Contract Line-Item Numbers (CLINs) 0001-0004 as follows:

CLIN Number Product Estimated Quantities

CLIN 0001

Liquid Pre-emergent herbicide containing 24% Dithiopyr Anticipated February

41 – 2.5 gal. jugs

102.5 Gallons total

CLIN 0002

Granular Fertilizer with minimum 50% slow release 20-5-20 in 50lbs bags Potassium (K) source shall be sulphate of potash (SOP). Anticipated March

1185- 50lbs Bags/ 30 tons+/-

CLIN 0003

Granular Fertilizer with minimum 50% slow release 20-5-20 in 50lbs bags Potassium (K) source shall be sulphate of potash (SOP). Anticipated September

1185- 50lbs Bags/ 30 tons+/-

CLIN 0004 Turf Type Tall Fescue Seed Blend in 50lbs bags.

Seed must be labeled from name and manufacturer with a minimum of 90% germination, origin, lot number, variety, pure seed >99%, inert matter <1%, noxious weed content 0%, month and year of germination that must be current (within last 10 months upon received date) Anticipated September

1614-50lbs bags/ 40 Tons+/-

Liquid Dithiopyr Pre-Emergent Herbicide Liquid pre-emergent herbicide shall contain 24% Dithiopyr. Pre-emerge herbicide shall have the manufacturers label composition; to include brand name, common name, primary plant nutrient guarantee(s) and other essential information as required by State of Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) Bureau of Pesticide Control and State of Missouri Fertilizer Control Board (MoFCB).

Pre-emerge herbicide fertilizer sold by contractors must be within compliance of the State of Missouri Pesticide Use Act and the Missouri Pesticide Registration Act (Sections 281.010 – 281.310 RSMo) to whom regulates the distribution and sale of pesticides within the State of Missouri. Product is subject to review for conformation of manufacturers per State of Missouri fertilizer production license; as required by State of Missouri law for permitting the manufacturing, distribution and selling of fertilizers in the state of Missouri.

Fertilizers The granular fertilizer shall be a fertilizer analysis as listed and contain a Nitrogen (N) source that contains a minimum of 50% slow-release nitrogen. A Sulfur Coated Urea (SCU), Methylated coated urea (MCU), Polyon or similar product or product coating shall be the requirement to meet the minimum 50% slow- release Nitrogen for granular fertilizer.

Potassium (K) source shall be sulphate of potash (SOP).

Granular fertilizers shall have the manufacturers label composition; to include brand name, common name, primary plant nutrient guarantee(s) and other essential information as required by State of Missouri Fertilizer Control Board (MOFCB). The granular fertilizer is subject to review for conformation of manufacturers State of Missouri fertilizer production license; as required by State of Missouri law for permitting the manufacturing, distribution and selling of fertilizers in the state of Missouri.

Turf Type Tall Fescue Seed Turf Type Tall Fescue Seed. Seed shall be a 4-seed blend of turf tall fescue seed and labeled with a minimum of a 90% seed gemination rate.

Seed shall be suitable for viable growth within the state of Missouri.

Seed must meet and comply as required with all regulations set forth with State of Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA), Bureau of Feed and Seed and State of Missouri Seed Laws for distributions of Turf Type Tall Fescue seed.

Turf Type Tall Fescue seed labels must comply with all State of Missouri regulations, requiring detailed information on purity, germination, noxious weed seeds, and dealer information.

Label shall include Name and address of dealer, kind or variety, lot number, origin, pure seed %, germination %, germination date (month/year), inert matter %, weed and noxious weed content as required by State of Missouri State Seed Law (2 CSR 70-35.020).

All Turf Type Tall Fescue seed labels must show a tested germination date of no more than 10 months from the date received as required by State of Missouri Seed Law (2 CSR 70-35.020).

C. DAMAGES CAUSED BY CONTRACTOR'S NEGLECT

The contractor is responsible for damages that occur to Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery properties/materials and/or to third parties as a result of neglect by the contractor during the time of delivery.

D. DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS

Delivery shall be performed Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Central Standard Time (CST). except for Federal Holidays. Any alternate delivery dates/times shall be coordinated with the COR.

Specific delivery dates may change due to the weather and schedule of cemetery operations but will occur within specified month. All Turf Type Tall Fescue Seed, Fertilizer and Granular Pre-Emerge shall meet specifications within the contract. The product labels shall be verified prior to award and confirmed by signature receipt upon delivery by authorized cemetery staff.

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

Delivery shall be carried out Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00a.m. and 1:30 p.m. CST except for Federal Holidays. Alternate schedules may be requested through the (COR) based on the availability of the cemetery staff to receive delivery of product.

The COR will schedule delivery dates with the contractor upon contract award. The dates may change due to the weather and schedule of cemetery operations. All fertilizers and chemicals shall meet or exceed specifications listed within the Statement of Need. The product labels shall be verified prior to award and confirmed by signature receipt upon delivery by authorized cemetery staff.

The contractor shall begin processing the order within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of the official order. Failure to initiate order processing within this timeframe may be considered grounds for corrective action in accordance with the terms of this contract.

Description Estimated Timeframe Quantity

Liquid Pre-emergent herbicide containing 24% Dithiopyr

Specific dates to be determined Upon Award – Communicate with COR/Designee. Complete delivery is expected promptly and not to be delayed. Anticipated February

41 – 2.5 gal. jugs / 102.5 Gallons total

Granular Fertilizer with minimum 50% slow release 20-5-20 in 50lbs bags

COR/Designee. Complete delivery is expected promptly and not to be delayed. Anticipated March

1185- 50lbs Bags/ 30 tons+/-

Granular Fertilizer with minimum 50% slow release 20-5-20 in 50lbs bags

COR/Designee. Complete delivery is expected promptly and not to be delayed. Anticipated September

1185- 50lbs Bags/

30 tons+/-

Turf Type Tall Fescue Seed Blend in 50lbs bags. Seed must be labeled from name and manufacturer with a minimum of 90% germination, origin, lot number, variety, pure seed >90% inert matter <1%, noxious weed content 0%, month and year of germination that must be current (within last 10 months upon received date)

Specific dates to be determined Upon Award – Communicate with COR/Designee. Complete delivery is expected promptly and not to be delayed. Anticipated September

1614-50lbs bags/ 40 Tons+/-

E. PERFORMANCE OF WORK ON CEMETERY GROUNDS

Conduct:

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

The contractor will observe traffic, parking, directional signs, and regulations when using the cemetery's roadways.

Vehicles shall not be driven off the paved roadways onto non-paved areas without first securing permission from the COR.

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

Use of Cemetery Facilities:

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

Performance Ethics:

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

Dress Code for Contractor Employees:

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

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