Answers to Vendors Questions_0002.pdf

36C78626R50055 0002

1. Question: Are the pricing pages to include the two-year pricing options: • 6/26/27 – 6/25/28 • 6/26/28 – 6/25/29?

Answer: Jul 1, 2026 thru June 30 2027 for Base year, then July 1 2027 – June 30, 2029 for the Plus 2 option years

Note: The State of New Mexico performs a mid-year tax rate adjustment – will we be able to adjust that amount once the new tax rate is published?

3.2 FACILITIES

The Government shall furnish a parking and staging area for vehicles and equipment with no guarantee of security for the designated area or any assurances of utilities or phone lines.

2. Question: Will utilities and electrical be available for use?

Answer: There are NO utilities available in the spoils area. If contractor would like they may supply a generator to get electrical in their mobile trailers.

5.5.2.20 SODDING

SOD: Sod must be produced from stolon’s and State-certified. The composition of the grass species in the sod must match existing grass species and cultivars.

3. Question: Is seed acceptable for use, or is it required to be produced from stolon’s as specified?

Answer: They may use both stolen and seed.

5.5.2.33 SEEDING

5.5.2.38 Place seed mechanically by drill seeder or slit seeder, directly placing the seed in contact with the soil. Provide two passes of the mechanical seeder at 45-degree angles to each other with seeder set at 2-inch spacing. Apply seed at 8 to 10 lbs./1000 sq-ft (400 lbs./Acre) for bare areas, and at 3 to 4 lbs./1000 sq-ft (150 lbs./Acre) for inter-seeding.

4. Question: Are grave sites required to be seeded using a drill seeder or slit seeder, or is broadcast seeding also an acceptable method?

Answer: Yes, all options are available.

5.5.3.3 FERTILIZER REQUIREMENTS

5.5.3.8 LIME: When pH below 6.5 in soil tests

5. Question: Can we obtain soil test records from the previous contractor, including the quantities of LIME, SULFUR, GYPSUM, and HUMATES applied in previous years?

Answer: Enclosed in this document (see enclosures after the list of questions).

5.5.9 VERTEBRATE PEST CONTROL

5.5.9.2 Vertebrate Pests include, but are not limited to: gophers, moles, voles, mice, rats, ground squirrels, rabbits, skunks, raccoons, wild pigs, badgers, geese, coots, and snakes and other target pests present.

6. Question: Does the cemetery currently have a significant vertebrate pest problem? Can historical pest control records be made available for review?

Answer: We do not have a physical record, but we do have a problem with gophers and mice on a monthly basis.

5.5.12.28 PROCEDURE / 5.5.12.29 FREQUENCY OF MOWING, TRIMMING, & DEBRIS

REMOVAL

7. Question: Will the contractor be required to mow twice per week during active growth periods? Is dethatching required, and if so, how many times per year will dethatching be required?

Answer: The current contractor mows and trims daily and breaks the sections up by the day each week. Currently they can mow once a week for the whole cemetery and then cycles back the following week on rotation.

5.5.13.9 SOIL AMENDING

8. Question: Can the soil amending requirements be clarified in greater detail? Specifically, does the term “Burial Sections” refer to all areas containing headstones?

Answer: Soil amending consists of get soil samples of each section and then following the recommendations per the report for the additives to be added to the soil in the specific sections. Yes, burial sections is every section in the cemetery that has headstones.

5.6 TREE, SHRUB & PLANTING BED MAINTENANCE

9. Question: Is the cost of replacement plants included within the scope of the contract, or will they be billed separately?

Answer: There should be no replacement of plantings unless approved by District Agronomist.

10. Question: Are shrubs required to be selectively hand-pruned, or is the use of gas-powered shears permitted if the plants are not turned into ball shapes?

Answer: The use of gas-powered shearers is preferred.

11. Question: How frequently is the fence line bark mulch expected to be replenished or replaced?

Answer: The fence line should be replenished/refreshed each year

12. Question: Are the costs of materials (weed barrier fabric, mineral mulch, etc.) included in the contract, or can they be billed as an additional charge?

Answer: These are at the cost of the contractor and should be calculated in their proposed price.

13. Question: Are the costs of edging materials and stakes included in the contract, or can they be billed as an additional charge?

Answer: These are at the cost of the contractor and should be calculated (i.e. fixed price unit costs) in their proposed price.

14. Question: Are replacement plantings included within the scope of the contract, or can they be billed as an additional charge?

Answer: There should be No replacement of plantings unless approved by District Agronomist.

5.6.22 SEEDING WILDFLOWERS

15. Question: What is the approximate total square footage of cemetery area designated for wildflower seeding each year?

Answer: 23000 square feet

5.7.1 IRRIGATION SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

16. Question: Are irrigation repairs resulting from vandalism or acts of nature considered chargeable events? Can you provide an average number of irrigation repairs completed per year and the types of parts typically used?

Answer: Most damaged heads are caused by vehicle/ motorized equipment driving over them and mostly aged heads.

Answer: The average irrigation repairs are about 20 per year, most repairs are done on the lower/ older sections of the cemetery because of how old the irrigation is.

Answer: Mainline / subline irrigation breaks are due to the age and prior specification not being met.

Answer: Part: swing joints, rotor heads, air vacs, 1”-2.5” in PVC slip joints.

17. Question: What type and model of irrigation controller is currently installed at the cemetery?

Answer: Rainbird

18. Question: Will it be necessary to blow out irrigation lines and remove vacuum breakers as part of the seasonal shutdown procedure?

Answer: This will not be done on the contract but instead be done by VA staff.

19. Question: Will the cost of providing temporary irrigation measures during a system failure be considered a chargeable expense?

Answer: If caused by contractor error it would be at the cost of the contractor, if caused by cemetery and natural causes then it would be at the cost of the cemetery.

5.8 DRAINAGE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

20. Question: Can you provide an average number of erosion control installations or interventions performed per year?

Answer: 3 installations, and 3 interventions maintained per year

21. Question: How many submersible lift pumps are currently installed across all stormwater basin locations onsite?

Answer: None

OPERATIONS / INTERMENTS

22. Question: Provide average and peak weekly interment volumes. Question: Are multiple services conducted simultaneously?

Answer: The average services are 40 per week, Peak days are Mondays and Fridays.

Answer: Services conducted Simultaneously are rare and would maybe be 10% a year if any.

PAST PERFORMANCE / TEAMING

23. Question: If an offeror is proposing under a teaming arrangement, will the Government evaluate Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) submitted for a teaming partner as part of the overall past performance assessment?

Answer: The Government will evaluate the vendor who submits their SAM.GOV UEI number on the SF1449 proposal form.

24.Question: Additionally, can the past performance of a teaming partner be considered in the evaluation when that partner is proposed to perform a significant portion of the work, or must all submitted past performance references be from the Prime Contractor?

Answer: The Government will evaluate the vendor who submits their SAM.GOV UEI number on the SF1449 proposal form.

5.2.8.11 Cemetery staff will transport cremated remains to the cremains burial site, unless noted otherwise. The Contractor will lower them into the gravesite in a dignified manner. Prior to placing the urn in the burial site, NCA staff will photograph and GPS the urn location in a similar fashion for casketed remains.

25. QUESTION: Can you confirm that the cemetery staff will transport the urn to the gravesite from the internment shelter?

Answer: No, this will be done by the contract with a provided government furnished casket carrier.

5.3.2.9 Identify damaged markers and immediately notify the COR. Do not set damaged or incorrectly inscribed markers. Destroy damaged, defective and incorrectly inscribed markers upon the receipt of the new marker. Destroy by breaking the marker with a maul or sledgehammer to be totally unreadable. Remove the resultant debris from the cemetery grounds in a lawful manner.

26. QUESTION: Will the cemetery be crushing old and damaged stones on site?

Answer: stone crushing will be done onsite, but this would be done by contractor

5.3.7.2 Clean headstones prior to Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day and any other times as determined by the Contracting Officers Representative (COR). Each headstone must be washed with cleaning agent and pressure washing one time per year at a minimum. The natural surfaces must be retained. They must not be bleached, painted, whitewashed or calcimined.

5.3.7.3 Approximately 5,000 headstones must be scheduled to be cleaned per month.

27. QUESTION: Can you clarify how many headstones will be cleaned during the year specifically uprights and flats, and how many times each stone will be cleaned per year?

Answer: we schedule 25000 stones to be cleaned each year on rotation by section done once per year. COR will specify what sections to do each year.

5.1.1.1 Sunken gravesites can range between 25-150 renovations per month contingent on heavy rain, irrigation breaks, age of cemetery section and settling at traditional sites.

28. QUESTION: Please clarify the estimate for sinkers between the PWS and Attachment 3/ Technical Exhibit 3

Answer: The below table is an estimate based on Monsoon Rains. The last monsoon we had caused 130 graves to be sunk in one monsoon rain and depending on how bad the monsoons are can dictate how many sunken graves we get in a Rainfall

Sunken Grave Repair Casket

25-150(annual)

Sunken Grave repair in ground cremains

10-20(annual)

5.5.1.1 Work consists of ground preparation and seeding/sodding of areas of the cemetery where the turf is thin, has died, has become infested, or otherwise is in need of renovation. (See Appendix for approximate square-feet of turf that will need renovation each year.)

29. QUESTION: I did not see an Appendix with approximate SF?

Answer: Located on page 112 & 113 Attachment 3/ Technical exhibit 3

5.5.3.4 FERTILIZER: Apply Phosphorus, Potassium and micronutrient components of fertilizer based on the results and recommendations of soil reports. Apply Nitrogen component from slowly available nitrogen sources as indicated below.

30. QUESTION: Can we get a copy of the last soils report performed at Santa Fe National Cemetery?

Answer: Enclosed in this document (see enclosures after the list of questions).

5.5.13.3 Core aerification uses specialized equipment to remove numerous soil cores (from 4 to 6 inches long) as it passes across the turfgrass surface. The cores are to be removed from the site or left on the turfgrass surface as approved by the COR.

31. QUESTION: Will COR require removal of soil cores after aeration?

Answer: we request that cores are to be collected to maintain the presence of beauty in the cemetery.

5.7.1.1.2 Provide all labor, materials and supplies to maintain the irrigation system downstream of the control valves in an operable condition free of leaks and waste of water. This includes non-pressure piping, fittings, risers and outlets.

5.7.1.2.5 Inspect the entire irrigation system and report the system’s condition to the COR once each week on Friday. Monitor and manage the entire irrigation system, up to and including the point-of-connection, the city water meters, backflow prevention devices, pump station, water storage tank, mainline, and immediately report any leaks, breaks and irregularities to the COR. Immediately control leaks and/or breaks to ensure that no flooding or washouts occur.

32. QUESTION: paragraph 5.7.1.1.2 says maintain downstream of the control valves paragraph 5.7.1.2.5 says Monitor and manage the entire irrigation system, up to and including the point-of-connection, the city water meters, backflow prevention devices, pump station, water storage tank, mainline, and immediately report any leaks, breaks and irregularities to the COR. Can you please clarify who will make repairs to the control valves and everything up stream of the control valves? If contractor is responsible can you please provide quantities of pumps, flow meters, automatic control valves, combination valves/air-vac valves, isolation valves?

Answer: the Cemetery Gardner will be maintaining anything from control valves to the city meter, contractors will be responsible for anything from lateral lines to the rotor heads.

33. Irrigation Question: Who is responsible for maintaining and adjusting the irrigation schedule?

Answer: the onsite cemetery Gardner

34. What is the current contract number?

Answer: 36C78625D50265

35. What is the name of the incumbent?

Answer: Raven Operations LLC

36. What is the current value of the contract?

Answer: Award value for the one-year contract is $1,192,066.28

37. What dollar amount has been ordered on contract value? Need since the new solicitation list minimum at 11,000.00?

Answer: $1,192,065.43

38. Is there storage on site for Contract equipment?

Answer: Contractors may provide their own Storage containers/ Connex boxes

39. Is Rest Rooms available on site?

Answer: there are rest rooms in the Administration Building but if contractor want they can provide porta johns in the spoils area by they mobile offices/ storage boxes

40. How much of Cemetery has Flat Markers and How much for Upright Markers? What width are distance between stones?

Answer: 40% is flats and 60% are uprights, the distance between stones varies by sections.

41. How many acres is improved grounds?

Answer: assuming you are referring to developed acres, that would be 81.9 Acres located on page 112, attachment 3/ Technical exhibit 3

42. What type of turf?

Answer: Seed mix (50% Perennial Rye, 25% Kentucky Bluegrass, 1.28 lbs Fescue Per 50lbs bags)

43. What size bodies of water and fountains?

Answer: we have NO bodies of water or fountains.

44. How many linear feet of edging ? Curbs etc.?

Answer: 38012 upright Headstones to be edged for roughly 139377.33 linear foot of headstone edging, 26036.32 linear Foot of edged curbs

45. How many acres are in street and parking sweeping?

Answer: 9.35 acres

46. Does Gov provide refuse removal boxes?

Answer: yes, we provide a standard size dumpster, and the government orders a roll-off dumpster twice per year

47. request clarification regarding Past Performance.

If an offeror is proposing under a formal teaming arrangement, will the Government evaluate Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) submitted for a teaming partner as part of the overall past performance assessment?

Answer: The Government will evaluate the vendor who submits their SAM.GOV UEI number on the SF1449 proposal form

Additionally, can the past performance of a teaming partner be considered in the evaluation when that partner is proposed to perform a significant portion of the work, or must all submitted past performance references be from the Prime Contractor?

Answer: The Government will evaluate the vendor who submits their SAM.GOV UEI number on the SF1449 proposal form

48. The name of the current incumbent contractor, if applicable.

Answer: Raven Operations LLC

49. The current contract number.

Answer: 36C78625D50265

50. The total award amount and contract period of performance for the most recent award (including option years, if exercised).

Answer: Award value for the one-year contract is $1,192,066.28

51. Topic: Page Count Inclusions Reference: Solicitation 36C78626R50055, Section L (Proposal Preparation Instructions) Questions: Are Cover Pages, Cover Letters, Table of Contents, Compliance Matrix, and Glossary included in page counts?

Answer: No, those will not be counted. Page counts will start where the offeror identifies the section of their proposal (e.g. Technical Capabilities).

52. Topic: Subcontractor Experience — Equal Consideration to Prime Contract Experience Reference: Solicitation 36C78626R50055, Section M (Evaluation Factors); FAR Part 19 / SBA Limitations on Subcontracting Questions: Please confirm that the experience of a subcontractor who will perform a substantial portion of the work will be considered equal to that of prime contract experience. Since the FAR and SBA rules permit a subcontractor to perform up to 49% of the work, meaningful consideration of the subcontractor is fair and reasonable.

Answer: The Government will evaluate the vendor who submits their SAM.GOV UEI number on the SF1449 proposal form for it’s the prime vendor’s experience in managing a work force/work schedule that the Government intends to evaluate.

53. Topic: Subcontractor Past Performance — Equal Consideration to Prime Contract Past Performance Reference: Solicitation 36C78626R50055, Section M (Evaluation Factors);

FAR 15.305(a)(2); OMB Memorandum (July 10, 2014); OFPP Best Practices for Collecting and Using Current and Past Performance Information Questions: Please confirm that the past performance of a subcontractor who will perform a substantial portion of the work (assuming explained in the proposal) will be considered equal to that of prime contract experience. Since the FAR and SBA rules permit a subcontractor to perform up to 49% of the work, meaningful consideration of the subcontractor is fair and reasonable. See OMB Memorandum, July 10, 2014 “Making Better Use of Contractor Performance Information” (recommending agencies request “information about subcontractors and contractor team arrangements. Request that prime contractors provide past performance information on subcontractors and contractor team arrangements.” “This will give the source selection official a complete view and better understanding of the prime contractor, subcontractors and contractor team arrangement’s performance capabilities.”); OFPP Best Practices for Collecting and Using Current and Past Performance Information (recommending CPARS list major subcontractors: “Listing these firms allows them to cite the contract for past performance purposes in proposals for future work either as prime contractors or as subcontractors or other partners. Source selection teams may review the assessment to determine the ratings given for the work for which these firms were responsible.”)

Answer: The Government will evaluate the vendor who submits their SAM.GOV UEI number

54. Topic: Past Performance — Prime Offeror’s Prior Experience as a Major Subcontractor Reference: Solicitation 36C78626R50055, Section M (Evaluation Factors) Questions:

Please confirm that relevant past performance examples may include work performed by the prime offeror as a major subcontractor. The experience and past performance gained by a prime offeror who previously served as a major subcontractor on an NCA project provides added value to the VA.

Answer: The Government will evaluate the vendor who submits their SAM.GOV UEI number

55. Topic: Past Performance — Proposed Major Subcontractor’s Prior Experience as Prime or Major Subcontractor Reference: Solicitation 36C78626R50055, Section M (Evaluation Factors) Questions: Please confirm that relevant past performance examples may include work performed by a proposed major subcontractor as a prime contractor or major subcontractor. The experience and past performance gained by a subcontractor who is proposed for up to 49% of the work here and who previously served as a prime or major subcontractor on an NCA project provides added value to the

VA.

Answer: The Government will evaluate the vendor who submits their SAM.GOV UEI number on the SF1449 proposal form for it’s the prime vendor’s experience in managing a work force/work schedule that the Government intends to evaluate.

56. Topic: Ceremonies Assistance — Unit of Measure and Description Inconsistency Reference: Price Schedule Attachment 904 (CLIN 0022, 10022, 20022); PWS §5.13 Questions: CLIN 0022 (Base) and CLIN 10022 (Option Year 1) both list “Ceremonies Assistance” at a quantity of 2 EA. However, CLIN 20022 (Option Year 2) lists the same line at a quantity of 2 MO and adds “-SCA Wages” to the description. PWS §5.13 states “CLIN 0022 – Qty 2 Each” and describes two specific events (Memorial Day and Forgotten Heroes ceremonies). Will the Government confirm that Option Year 2 should be 2 EA (not 2 MO) to match the Base Year, Option Year 1, and the PWS scope? Will the Government also issue an amendment correcting the unit of measure and standardizing the description across all three performance periods?

Answer: Yes, it is (2) two each per FY.

57. Topic: Period of Performance Date Discrepancy Between Price Schedule and Solicitation Reference: Price Schedule Attachment 904 (Columns Q and R, all CLINs);

Solicitation 36C78626R50055 (pages 5–27) Questions: The Price Schedule (904 Santa Fe NC) lists the Base Year Period of Performance as 05/27/2026 – 05/26/2027, Option Year 1 as 05/27/2027 – 05/26/2028, and Option Year 2 as 05/27/2028 – 05/26/2029. The Solicitation’s CLIN table lists the Base Year as 06/26/2026 – 06/25/2027, Option Year 1 as 06/26/2027 – 06/25/2028, and Option Year 2 as 06/26/2028 – 06/25/2029 — a one-month offset. Which set of Period of Performance dates is authoritative for pricing purposes, and will the Government issue an amendment to align the Price Schedule dates with the Solicitation?

Answer: The Excel spreadsheet labeled, 904 Santa Fe NC, has been revised to match the solicitation’s price schedule. Please note that the period of performance dates are subject to change.

58. Topic: Price Schedule Subtotal Formula Inconsistency Reference: Price Schedule Attachment 904 (Cells M24, M48, M72) Questions: The Base Year subtotal in cell M24 uses the formula =SUBTOTAL(109,M2:M23), while the Option Year 1 subtotal in cell M48 and the Option Year 2 subtotal in cell M72 use =SUM(…). Although the totals resolve identically under normal conditions, the inconsistent formula method could produce different results if AutoFilter is applied. Will the Government confirm the intended formula convention and, if needed, issue a corrected Price Schedule so all offerors submit on an identical basis?

Answer: It’s the offeror’s discretion to use a formula calculation that suits their purposes.

The formula I provided is not mandatory but only as an aide if needed.

59. Topic: Applicable Wage Determination for Ceremonies Assistance and Gravesite Maintenance Reference: Price Schedule Attachment 904 (CLINs 0012/10012/20012 Gravesite Maintenance; CLINs 0022/10022/20022 Ceremonies Assistance); PWS §5.13;

SCA WD 2015-5449 Rev 27 Questions: The Price Schedule does not include a wage determination suffix on any of the Gravesite Maintenance CLINs (0012, 10012, 20012), and includes “-SCA Wages” only on the Option Year 2 Ceremonies Assistance CLIN (20022) while omitting it from the Base Year and Option Year 1 equivalents. PWS §5.13 states that

Ceremonies Assistance is “Subject to SCA and Commercial Provisions/Clauses.” Will the Government confirm that the Service Contract Act wage determination (SCA WD 2015-5449, Rev 27) is the applicable wage determination for both Gravesite Maintenance and Ceremonies Assistance across all three performance periods, and will the Government issue an amendment standardizing the wage determination labeling on the Price Schedule?

Answer: SCA wage determination labeling has been added to the applicable CLINS.

60. Topic: Mapping of Turf-Related General Requirements to CLIN 0013 and CLIN 0014 Reference: PWS §5.5 Turf and Grasses Maintenance General Requirements; Price Schedule Attachment 904 (CLIN 0013 Turf & Grasses Maintenance, 12 MO; CLIN 0014 Pest Control, 12 MO) Questions: The PWS General Requirements for Turf and Grasses Maintenance list seven distinct sub-activities: (1) Turf Renovation, (2) Turf Maintenance – Fertilization, (3) Turf Maintenance – Pest Control, (4) Turf Maintenance – Mowing, Trimming & Edging, (5) Turf Maintenance – Aerification, (6) Turf Maintenance – Topdressing, and (7) Turf Maintenance – Dethatching. However, only two CLINs are provided to cover this work:

CLIN 0013 (Turf & Grasses Maintenance, 12 MO) and CLIN 0014 (Pest Control, 12 MO). To enable consistent invoicing and comparable pricing across offerors, will the Government confirm the intended mapping of each sub-activity to the correct CLIN?

Answer: All turf maintenance operations will be billed under CLIN 0013 and all Pest control operations will be billed under CLIN 0014.

Specifically: (a) Should all turf maintenance activities other than Pest Control (i.e., Fertilization, Mowing/Trimming/Edging, Aerification, Topdressing, Dethatching, and Turf Renovation) be invoiced under CLIN 0013? (b) Should CLIN 0014 Pest Control cover only turf pest control under PWS §5.5, or does it also include pest control under §5.6 Tree, Shrub & Planting Bed Maintenance and §5.5.7 pesticide applications?

Answer: All turf maintenance operations will be billed under CLIN 0013 and all Pest control operations will be billed under CLIN 0014.

61. Topic: Turf Renovation — Estimated Annual Square Footage by Method Reference: PWS §5.5 Turf and Grasses Maintenance; PWS §5.4.1.7 (sunken grave turf repair); Price Schedule Attachment 904 (CLIN 0013 Turf & Grasses Maintenance, 12 MO) Questions: The PWS requires Turf Renovation as a sub-activity under Turf and Grasses

Maintenance, and also references “Turf Renovation” as the required method for repairing sunken gravesites (PWS §5.4.1.7) and backfilled gravesite areas. However, no square footage, acreage, or other quantity estimate is provided for the annual volume of turf renovation work expected. The labor, material, equipment, and water cost per square foot varies dramatically across turf renovation methods, and the total annual cost can vary by an order of magnitude depending on scope. To enable consistent and comparable pricing across offerors, will the Government provide estimated annual square footage for each of the following turf renovation methods at Santa Fe National Cemetery: (a)Sodding (bulk area); (b) Seeding (bulk area); (c) Sodding of individual gravesites; (d) Seeding of individual gravesites; (e) Overseeding of existing turf. If historical data is unavailable, will the Government provide a reasonable estimated total annual turf renovation area and the anticipated distribution across these methods, so all offerors can price to the same assumption?

Answer: Sunken grave Turf repair can range from 1250 sf to 7500 sf annually, (a)Sodding (bulk area); the only bulk sodding would be first interment areas for Graves at about 2-3 rows at a time which is about 25000 sq ft of Sod per year in the (2) two areas section 15B and section 28

(b) Seeding (bulk area); there would be about 200,000 sq ft of bulk seeding

(c) Sodding of individual gravesites; 258 Casketed sites and 265 cremains sites Total of 523 gravesites

(d) Seeding of individual gravesites; 253 Casket Sites and 260 cremains sites total of 513 gravesites

(e) Overseeding of existing turf; There is 80 acres of turf that is over seeded each year

52. Topic: Cemetery Vegetation Control — Map of Areas and Total Acreage Reference: PWS §5.6.9 Cemetery Vegetation Control; Price Schedule Attachment 904 (CLIN 0013 Turf & Grasses Maintenance, 12 MO; CLIN 0015 Tree, Shrub & Planting Bed Maintenance, 12 MO) Questions: PWS §5.6.9 requires the Contractor to control vegetation within the cemetery property lines, outside the perimeter enclosure walls and fences, between property lines and public roadways, and along both sides of fence/property lines as a 5-foot fire break. However, no map, acreage estimate, or other geographic quantification of these areas is provided. Will the Government provide a map of Santa Fe National Cemetery identifying the specific areas subject to §5.6.9 Cemetery Vegetation Control, along with the total acreage of each area (developed cemetery, undeveloped lands, perimeter strips, fire break zones, and public right-of-way between property lines and public roadway)?

Answer: Total developed cemetery is 81.9 acres, Undeveloped Lands are 2.3 acres.

perimeter strips are about 70,000sqft.

fire break zones - I do not believe that we have any fire break zones at this station.

public right-of-way between property lines and public roadway is about 58,000sq ft of maintained vegetation

63. Topic: Cemetery Vegetation Control — Conflicting Mowing Height Standards Reference: PWS §5.6.9.6; PWS §5.5.12 Turf and Grasses Maintenance – Mowing Questions: PWS §5.6.9.6 states that in the “developed cemetery,” vegetation must be maintained at “4 to 6 inches or less from the ground.” This conflicts with PWS §5.5.12 Turf and Grasses Maintenance, which establishes a substantially tighter and lower mowing height standard for developed cemetery turf appropriate to a maintained burial section.

Will the Government clarify: (a) whether the §5.6.9.6 4-to-6-inch standard applies only to transitional, perimeter, or undeveloped areas within the cemetery property lines (rather than to manicured burial section turf); and (b) issue an amendment reconciling PWS §5.6.9.6 and §5.5.12 so the applicable mowing height standard is unambiguous for each area of the cemetery?

Answer: This was changed in the revised PWS (published with this amendment 0002) to be between 3-4 inches and no taller than 4 inches.

64. Topic: Shrub and Hedge Pruning Frequency — Conflicting PWS Requirements Reference: PWS §5.6.1.5; PWS §5.6.4.2; Price Schedule Attachment 904 (CLIN 0015 Tree, Shrub & Planting Bed Maintenance, 12 MO) Questions: The PWS contains two conflicting requirements regarding the frequency of shrub and hedge pruning. PWS §5.6.1.5 states:

“All shrubs and hedges must be trimmed and shaped annually during the months of May and November” (i.e., twice per year). However, PWS §5.6.4.2 states: “At the approval of the COR, prune shrubs/hedges monthly during summer months/growing season to conform to the current pattern of growth” (i.e., approximately four to six times per year during the growing season). These two requirements produce significantly different labor, equipment, and material cost estimates. To enable consistent and comparable pricing across offerors, will the Government clarify which frequency is the binding requirement for CLIN 0015 pricing purposes?

Answer: Most shrubs and hedges are pruned twice a year, the only area that is pruned more in the Pyracantha that is along the roadway by section 18 through 22 and stretches 1175 ft along the road and at a height of 8-10 feet to prevent overgrowth into roadway and scratching vehicles.

Will the Government also issue an amendment reconciling PWS §5.6.1.5 and §5.6.4.2 so the scope of shrub and hedge pruning work is unambiguous?

Answer: changed PWS to say.

5.6.1.5 All shrubs and hedges must be trimmed and shaped monthly during the months of May through November.

5.6.4.2 At the approval of the COR, prune shrubs/hedges monthly during summer months/growing season to conform to the current pattern of growth. Do not trim shrubs into “ball” shapes. Remove shrub trimmings immediately from the site.

15. Topic: Government-Provided Dumpster Reference: PWS Section 4.1 Questions: Can the Government confirm that it will provide a dumpster for all trash? It is noted in Section 4.1 of the Statement of Work that a dumpster is part of the Government-furnished property as described in Section 3.3; however, Section 3.3 does not describe a Government-furnished dumpster. Additionally, Section 4.1.15 of the SOW contradicts this statement.

Answer: yes, the Government provides a dumpster regularly and a Roll-off twice per year.

4.1.15 refers to trash/ waste that is produced by the contractor not the cemetery i.e.

flowers, Trash from receptacle bins, and office trash

56. Topic: Transportation of Remains Reference: PWS Section 5.2.8 Questions: PWS Section 5.2.8 references transportation of remains and floral arrangements; however, there is no Contract Line Item Number (CLIN) for this service. Is it the intention that burial service support and transportation of remains be built into the price of the interment services?

Answer: Yes, that is correct.

57. Topic: Transportation of Cremated Remains

Reference: PWS Section 5.2.8.11 Questions: Can the Government confirm that the cemetery will be responsible for transporting cremated remains for all 655 cremation interments?

Answer: No, this was changed in the PWS 5.2.8.11 Contractor will transport cremated remains to the cremains burial site, unless noted otherwise. The Contractor will lower them into the gravesite in a dignified manner. Prior to placing the urn in the burial site, NCA staff will photograph and GPS the urn location in a similar fashion for casketed remains.

58. Topic: Backfilling of Graves Reference: PWS Section 5.2.9 Questions: Can the contractor use materials from the spoils area for backfilling of graves, to include topsoil and crushed aggregate?

Answer: Yes, cemetery will provide until supply is depleted then contractor will supply materials.

59. Topic: Headstone and Flat Marker Setting Reference: Pricing Schedule Questions: Of the 573 upright headstones and 655 flat markers, how many are new installs and how many are replacements?

Answer: those are the numbers per year for new interments/ headstone installments.

60. Topic: Sunken Grave Repairs and Gravesite Maintenance Reference: PWS Section 5.4 and Attachment 3 / Technical Exhibit 3 Questions: CLIN 12 is billed in 12-month increments; however, Technical Exhibit 3 states that there are 25 to 150 sunken grave repairs for caskets and 10 to 20 for in-ground cremains. Because this range is wide and billing is done monthly, can the Government provide an accurate estimate so that pricing can be prepared in line with the requirements?

Answer: this is a range because of Monsoon Rains versus normal rain/ snow melt. Last year those where the ranges from May until October because of the different amounts of rain fall so it is hard to determine how many sunken graves we will have in each year/ season.

61. Topic: Turf Renovation – Irrigated Turf Reference: PWS Section 5.5.2 Questions: CLIN 13 is billed in 12-month increments. Can the Government provide the number of square feet required to be renovated each year in accordance with PWS Section 5.5.2, Turf Renovation, Irrigated Turf? Additionally, of the total square footage of turf renovation required, how many square feet are required to be sodded and how many square feet are required to be seeded?

Answer: on average there is about 25000 sq ft of sod that is placed yearly on fresh and there is about 82 acres of seeding.

These represent very different pricing structures. Furthermore, per PWS Sections 5.5.2.39 (sodding of individual grave sites) and 5.5.2.46 (seeding of individual grave sites), can the Government confirm whether the square footage for these grave site services is included within the above-referenced turf renovation square footage?

Answer: Yes, that is correct. On average there is about 25000 sq ft of sod that is placed yearly on fresh and there is about 82 acres of seeding.

62. Topic: Interseeding by Slit Seeding Reference: PWS Section 5.5.2.55 Questions: How many square feet or acres are required to be interseeded by slit seeding annually?

Answer: 12-15 acres is recommended per year

63. Topic: Cross-Cutting Reference: PWS Section 5.5.12.32 Questions: PWS Section 5.5.12.32 states that cross-cutting is required. Can the Government confirm whether cross-cutting is required between headstone columns, perpendicular to headstone rows, or only in open areas?

Answer: Cross cutting is only able t o be done in open areas like Flat maker sections not between upright headstones.

If cross-cutting is required between headstone columns, how many times per year is it required? This information is critical as the cost to cross-cut between headstone columns is substantial.

Answer: You would not be cross cutting between headstones, you would however be using a string trimmer to go between each headstone.

64. Topic: Tree, Shrub, and Planting Bed Maintenance Reference: PWS Section 5.6 and CLIN 0015 Questions: Can the Government provide the quantity of trees, shrubs, plants, and ground cover under CLIN 0015, Tree, Shrub, and Planting Bed Maintenance?

Answer: There are 460 trees, 250 shrubs, and 20 planting beds.

65. Topic: Green Waste Disposal Reference: PWS Section 5.6.8 Questions: Is the contractor responsible for green waste disposal resulting from tree, shrub, and planting bed maintenance, or can Government-provided containers and dumpsters be used?

Answer: Contractors will provide their own dumpster for Green Waste disposal.

66. Topic: Organic Mulch Reference: PWS Section 5.6.13 Questions: How many square feet are required to be mulched, and how often per year?

Answer: All 460 tree rings are to be mulched once per year.

67. Topic: Seeding Wildflowers Reference: PWS Section 5.6.22 Questions: What square footage or acreage is required to be seeded with wildflowers?

Answer: A total of 22,000 sq ft of wildflowers /native grass seed is required.

68. Topic: Irrigation System Services Reference: PWS Section 5.7 Questions: Can the Government provide the estimated quantity and required or estimated annual number of services or repairs for the following components of the irrigation system?

Quantity on site and annual frequency of service:

• Pump station Answer: 1 pump station serviced quarterly.

• Pump station filters Answer: 1 filter in well house.

• Water station Answer: Information not available.

• Weather sensors Answer: One weather station, should be serviced twice a year.

• Backflow prevention devices Answer: One backflow on potable back-up water supply. Should be certified annually.

• Master valves Answer: Have converted most master valves to pressure regulating hydrometers.

• Flow meters Answer: Have converted most flow meters to hydrometers.

• Basket strainers Answer: None on site.

• Automatic control valves Answer: 7, yearly service.

• Pressure regulating valves Answer: 7, yearly.

• Combination valves Answer: Vacuum/Relief valves quantities not available.

• Isolation valves Answer: Quantities not available.

• Leak detection and repairs Answer: Quantities not available.

Estimated annual repairs / replacements needed:

• Turf rotor sprinkler heads Answer: 200 – 300.

• Multi-stream rotary heads and bubblers Answer: Not applicable.

• Drip irrigation emitters Answer: 50-100.

• Electric valve repairs Answer: 20-25.

• Electric valve replacements Answer: 5-10.

• Quick coupling repair and replacement Answer: 10-20 1”-3” anything above 3” should be metal.

• Decoder repair and replacement Answer: Not applicable.

• Control wire fault repair and replacement Answer: 1-2 yearly.

• Lateral line repair and replacement Answer: 5-10 yearly.

• Main line repair and replacement Answer: 5-10 yearly.

• Valve box and cover replacement Answer: 5-10 yearly.

• Broken valve box cover replacements Answer: 5-10 yearly.

• Emergency irrigation parts and repairs Answer: Part vary based on job and replacement.

69. Topic: Drainage System Maintenance Reference: PWS Section 5.8 Questions: Can the Government provide the quantity and unit of measure (SF, LF, or other measure) for the following?

• Surface/street drainage systems Answer: 77.

• Outfall areas with rock dissipators Answer: 2, total of 150sq ft.

• Stormwater pond lift pump stations Answer: Not applicable.

• Crypt under-drain lift pump stations Answer: Not applicable.

70. Topic: Pavement Sweeping and Cleaning Reference: PWS Section 5.10 Questions: Can the Government provide the square footage, linear footage, and/or acreage of streets, parking lots, sidewalks, and curbs?

Answer: there is 12412 linear ft of Streets, 1171 linear ft of Parking lots, 6951 linear ft of walkways.

71. Topic: Paved Roads vs. Concrete Paving — Identical Figures in Technical Exhibit 3 Reference: Technical Exhibit 3 Questions: Technical Exhibit 3 lists both “Concrete Paving” and “Paved Roads” at 407,334.62 square feet — identical figures. Please confirm whether these represent two separate areas that happen to measure the same, or whether one value was duplicated in error. If the figures represent distinct surfaces (e.g., parking lots and concrete drives vs. asphalt roads), please provide the correct square footage for each so offerors can price pavement sweeping, pressure washing, and snow/ice removal accurately.

Answer: The total of paved roads/ concrete paving is the same because it measures both Parking lots and streets combined, we do not have any concrete drives at the cemetery they are all Asphalted roads and parking lots.

72. Topic: Tool Shed — Listed at 0.0 Square Feet in Technical Exhibit 3

Reference: Technical Exhibit 3 Questions: Technical Exhibit 3 lists the Tool Shed at “0.0 Square-Feet.” Please confirm whether the Tool Shed has been removed from the site, is excluded from the Contractor’s maintenance scope, or whether a measurement was inadvertently omitted. If the structure is within scope, please provide the correct square footage so offerors can include it in structure cleaning and light maintenance pricing.

Answer: The tool shed is maintained by the government which is a 12x 25 Barn wooden Shed located in the spoils area.

73. Topic: Concrete Ditches — Listed at 0.0 Linear Feet in Technical Exhibit 3 Reference: Technical Exhibit 3 Questions: Technical Exhibit 3 lists the Concrete Ditches at “0.0 Linear-Feet.” Please confirm whether the drainage ditches maintenance has been removed from the site, is excluded from the Contractor’s maintenance scope, or whether a measurement was inadvertently omitted. If the structure is within scope, please provide the correct linear footage so offerors can include it in drainage ditch maintenance.

Answer: We do not have any concrete ditches located at this cemetery

74. Topic: Structure Cleaning and Light Maintenance Reference: PWS Section 5.12 Questions: Can the Government provide the square footage, quantity, or other applicable measurement for the following?

• Columbaria and memorial walls Answer: Col1: 147 linear Ft, Col2: 314 Linear Ft, Col3:

299 Linear ft, Col4: 605 Linear ft, Col5: 273 Linear Ft, Col6: 85 Linear Ft, Memorial Wall D through Memorial Wall H: each is 30 Linear ft.

• Main entry sign Answer: we have 1 that measures 17’L x 5’W x 4’H about 88 sq ft.

• Walls and gates Answer: 2176 linear ft of perimeter wall that is 4’ height.

• Walls, fences, railings, and guardrails Answer: 2176 linear ft of perimeter wall that is 4’ height and 2478 linear ft of perimeter fence.

• Gate hinges and automation Answer: (6)six swing gate, (4) are on Lift Master Automation.

• Assembly area/rostrum structure Answer: Rostum Structure is 1285 sq ft, and the Assembly area is 12060 sq ft.

• Bridges and culverts Answer: We have none.

• Site signage Answer: not applicable.

• Memorial plaques, insignia, and service seals Answer: (6) six memorial Plaques, (10) ten Service Seals.

• Flag poles Answer: (9) Nine Flag poles.

• Exterior and interior lighting Answer: This is managed by a different contract.

• Building exteriors and roofs Answer: not applicable.

• Building gutters Answer: (11) eleven Gutter drains on Main building, (2) drains on Rostum,

(7) Seven drains on the Maintenance Building, (2) drains on the Committal Shelter.

• Committal shelters Answer: We have (1) one that is 440sq ft.

• Breezeways and admin/picnic areas Answer: This is managed by a different contract.

• Site furnishings, such as benches Answer: 35 Benches and 66 Receptacles for Trash and flower vases.

• Solar panels Answer: There currently is none on site.

75. Topic: Amended Topsoil – Government-Furnished vs. Contractor-Supplied Reference: PWS Section 5.2.9 (Backfilling of Graves); PWS Section 5.4.1 (Sunken Grave Renovation) Questions: Will the Government furnish amended topsoil for grave backfilling, sunken grave renovation, and turf renovation work, or is the Contractor responsible for supplying amended topsoil?

Answer: The contractor will be responsible for providing the amended topsoil

If contractor-supplied, will the Government provide the estimated annual quantity required and acceptable amendment specifications (e.g., organic content, pH, gradation)?

Answer: The offeror is responsible for determining the quantity to apply based on the Soils report that they would receive each year by the section.

If Government-furnished, please identify the on-site location or staging area where the amended topsoil will be made available.

Answer: All materials needed for the cemetery is stored in the Spoils area in the Northern part of the Cemetery

76. Topic: Topdressing – Estimated Annual Scope Reference: PWS Section 5.5.14 (Turf Maintenance – Topdressing); Technical Exhibit 3 Questions: Technical Exhibit 3 and PWS Section 5.5.14 reference topdressing requirements but do not specify the total acreage or square footage anticipated to require treatment. PWS Section 5.5.14 also establishes three distinct topdressing application types (Type 1 – soil texture modification/thatch prevention; Type 2 – filling ruts and depressions; Type 3 – seed topper for overseeding/interseeding), each with different materials and unit costs. Application scope appears contingent on soil test results and COR determination. Can the Government provide the estimated total square footage of cemetery turf anticipated to require topdressing annually, broken out by burial section and by the three topdressing types defined in PWS Section 5.5.14, or confirm whether offerors should assume topdressing will be applied across all acres of irrigated turf (per Technical Exhibit 3) for pricing purposes?

Answer: Please assume topdressing will be applied across all acres of irrigated turf (per Technical Exhibit 3) for pricing purposes.

77. Topic: Tree Wells and Tree Mulch Rings – Inclusion in Planting Bed Quantity Reference: PWS Section 5.6.10.2 (Weed Control – Tree Wells and Tree Mulch Rings); PWS Section 5.6.13.5 (Organic Mulch – Tree Mulch Rings); Price Schedule Attachment 904 (CLIN 0015 Tree, Shrub & Planting Bed Maintenance, 12 MO); Technical Exhibit 3 Questions: Technical Exhibit 3 lists 48,090.26 square feet of Irrigated Landscape Beds but does not separately quantify tree wells or the 6-foot diameter tree mulch rings required by PWS Section 5.6.13.5 around trees in turf. PWS Section 5.6.10.2 establishes a separate weed-control requirement for tree wells and tree mulch rings, and PWS Section 5.6.13 establishes a separate organic mulch maintenance requirement for these rings. Can the Government confirm whether the 48,090.26 SF figure for Irrigated Landscape Beds in Technical Exhibit 3 is inclusive of tree wells and tree mulch rings, or whether these are separately measured? If separately measured, will the Government provide the total square footage of tree wells and tree mulch rings, or the count of trees in turf areas requiring 6-foot diameter mulch rings, so offerors can price the Section 5.6.10.2 weed control and Section 5.6.13 mulch replenishment requirements consistently?

Answer: Irrigated landscape beds are not calculated into the tree rings because they are not irrigated only Flower beds with bubblers. There are 460 trees located in the cemetery.

78. Topic: Adjacent Headstone Removal During Interments — Pricing Allocation Reference: PWS Section 5.2.2.9; Price Schedule Attachment 904 (CLIN 0001 Interments – Traditional Full Casket; CLIN 0002 Interments – Pre-placed Crypts; CLIN 0008 Upright Headstones Raise/Lower/Realign & Reset; CLIN 0009 Flat Marker Headstones aise/Lower/Realign & Reset) Questions: PWS Section 5.2.2.9 requires the Contractor to remove adjacent headstones as needed to ensure access for the vault and remains during interment operations, place them in protective collars, and subsequently reinstall, realign, and clean them before the close of business. The same section states “Do not include these headstones in the overall count of headstone work performed under interments.” It is unclear whether this language directs that adjacent-headstone removal-and replacement work performed in support of an interment should (a) be priced within the per-each unit prices for CLIN 0001 (Interments – Traditional Full Casket) and CLIN 0002 (Interments – Pre-placed Crypts) as part of the interment activity, or (b) be separately invoiced as a Raise/Lower/Realign & Reset event under CLIN 0008 (upright headstones) or CLIN 0009 (flat markers). Will the Government confirm the intended pricing allocation for adjacent headstone removal and replacement performed in support of interments, and clarify whether these events are counted toward the estimated quantities for CLIN 0008 and CLIN 0009?

Answer: Very rarely will there ever be an adjacent headstone that needs to be removed for interment services this is only in case of a traditional burial that has shifted or is on a hillside and is hard for equipment to get in and out of the area and the adjacent headstone needs to be moved and reset under CLIN 0008 or 0009.

79. Topic: Interment Service Equipment — Provider Responsibility (Casket Lowering Device, Casket Carrier, Tent/Canopy, Cremation Stand, Chairs) Reference: PWS Section

3.7 (Government Furnished Equipment); PWS Section 4 (Contractor Furnished Items, Services & Requirements); PWS Section 5.2.4 (Burial Service); PWS Section 5.13 (Ceremonies Assistance); Attachment K (Equipment Inventory) Questions: The PWS contains conflicting and incomplete language regarding which party is responsible for providing the routine equipment used at per-interment committal services and gravesite services. Specifically: (a) Casket Lowering Device (CLD). PWS Section 3.7 lists

“Lowering Devices” within the Government Furnished Equipment that the Government “may provide” pursuant to Attachment K, while PWS Section 5.2.4 (Burial Service) directs the Contractor to…