AnswersToVendorsQuestions_36C78626R501200006.pdf

36C78626R501200006

1 Instructions to Offerors, Sec. H (p. 144)

The proposal submission instructions direct offerors to use the email subject line "36C78625R50104_Company Name." That solicitation number differs from 36C78626R50120 shown in Block 5 of the SF 1449. Please confirm the correct subject line format for proposal submission.

Answer: Amendment 0006 revises Instructions to Offerors to state the correct solicitation number: 36C78626R50120

2 FAR 52.212-2, Factor 1

(pp. 145-147)

Factor 1 subfactors are lettered 1a through 1f and then "1j" for CLIN 0007.

Please confirm the intended subfactor lettering. Please also confirm that no technical subfactor is assigned to CLIN 0008 (MOH Pool Pump System), i.e., that CLIN 0008 is priced but not technically evaluated.

Answer: Amendment 0006 revises Instructions to Offerors to state the correct subfactor alphanumeric to “1g.” CLIN 0008 does not have an evaluation factor.

3 FAR 52.212-2, Factor 1

(pp. 145-147)

Page limits are stated per subfactor and total 130 pages. Please confirm: (a) the limits are per subfactor rather than cumulative; (b) whether the draft Quality Control Plan (PWS 1.8.1), draft Grounds Management Plan (PWS 4.1.2), equipment list (PWS 4.1.16), compost/soil amendment/fertilizer list (PWS 4.1.6), certifications, licenses, and the Site Manager resume and letter of commitment (PWS 1.8.20) count against those page limits; and (c) required font, point size, margins, and whether the proposal must be submitted as a single PDF.

Answer: (a) Each subfactor, if stated, has its own page limits. (b) If a subfactor requires a specific plan, that plan will be included in the page limit. (c). Font size is 11. Margins are 1.” Due to VA network file size restrictions, the offeror may send multiple email messages for their proposal. Please clearly label the subject line to include 36C78626R50120. Also, please communicate in your email how many emails you plan to send.

4 PWS 1.8.20 (p. 25) PWS 1.8.20 requires a one-page resume and a letter of commitment for the Site Manager and ends with the notation "Add to the source selection."

Please confirm whether key personnel qualifications are an evaluated element and, if so, under which Factor 1 subfactor they will be evaluated.

Answer: PWS 1.8.20 requires offerors to submit a one-page resume and a letter of commitment for the Site Manager, accompanied by the notation“Add to the source selection.” This notation affirms that Site Manager qualifications are an evaluated element of the proposal.

Under Factor 1 – Technical, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) mandates that personnel qualifications be evaluated as a significant non-cost consideration within the technical factor, specifically under the management capability criteria. Many solicitations—including this one— structure this requirement as a dedicated Key Personnel / Personnel Qualifications subfactor, where resumes and letters of commitment are assessed to determine the experience, credentials, and suitability of proposed key staff, such as the Site Manager.

For this solicitation, the Site Manager’s resume and letter of commitment required by PWS 1.8.20 are evaluated within Factor 1 – Technical, under the Key Personnel / Personnel Qualifications subfactor. Evaluators review whether the proposed Site Manager (and alternate, if required) meet all necessary qualifications, demonstrate relevant experience, and are available to perform the contract as proposed.

Therefore, your proposal must include the Site Manager’s one-page resume and letter of commitment under Factor 1 – Technical, within the Key Personnel / Personnel Qualifications subfactor, as these documents directly contribute to the source selection evaluation.

5 Sec. E.1 checklist (p.

143); Factor 2 (p. 147);

Sec. 3 attachment list (p.

130)

The Past Performance Questionnaire is referenced in the pre-submission checklist and in Factor 2 but is not included in the Section 3 list of documents, exhibits, or attachments. Please post the PPQ form by amendment, and confirm whether completed PPQs are to be returned directly to the Contracting Officer by the reference or submitted by the offeror with its proposal, and the date by which they are due.

Answer: Published via amendment 36C78626R501200001

6 Sec. E.1.C (p. 143);

RIVERSIDENCPriceSched, PoP columns

The acceptance period is 60 calendar days from the 09/15/2026 closing date, while the base period begins 11/01/2026 and the workbook notes that the stated period of performance "will vary based on date of award." If award occurs after 11/01/2026, will the base period be shifted a full twelve months, or shortened to end 10/31/2027? If shortened, how should offerors price monthly CLINs quoted on a 12-month quantity?

Answer: The base period of performance as well as those of the option will be shifted to accommodate one year period of performances.

B. Contract Type, Ordering, and Funding

7 PWS 1.7 (p. 21); Contract Guaranteed Minimum/Maximum (p.

18); FAR 52.216-18/19/22

(pp. 123-124)

PWS 1.7 states the award will be a Firm-Fixed-Price, Indefinite-Quantity contract under which multiple task or delivery orders will be issued, and the solicitation establishes a guaranteed minimum of $9,115.51 and a maximum aggregate value of $23,000,000. The price schedule, however, prices recurring services on a fixed monthly basis for a fixed twelve-month period.

Please clarify the ordering mechanism: will a single task order be issued at the start of each period of performance covering all CLINs at the proposed monthly rates, or will orders be issued monthly or on some other cycle?

Answer: There will be one or more task orders awarded/issued for the base year period of performance as well as the option years. NCA is funded on an annual basis, and its budget is influenced by continuing resolutions that congress passes. While the goal is to limit the number of task orders, external factors may dictate otherwise.

8 Contract Guaranteed Minimum/Maximum (p.

18); SF 1449 continuation sheet, "Max. Qty" (pp. 5- 16)

The continuation sheet labels the twelve-month quantities as "Max. Qty" and the guaranteed minimum for the life of the contract is $9,115.51. Please confirm whether the Government guarantees ordering twelve months of each recurring CLIN in each period, or whether the twelve-month quantity is a ceiling only. This materially affects the fixed-cost recovery built into the monthly rates.

Answer: Please see the answer to your question numbered seven above.

9 FAR 52.212-2(C), Factor 3

(p. 147)

Factor 3 states that a proposal may be rejected if the proposed price exceeds available funding. Will the Government disclose the estimated value, budget, or a not-to-exceed figure for the base period so that offerors may propose responsibly? Alternatively, please confirm the current contract value at Riverside National Cemetery for the same scope.

Answer: The Government will not disclose its estimated value. Instead, it provides a maximum dollar value for offeror’s planning purposes. Current contract value at the Riverside NC is $6,393,410.00, which equals one year’s period of performance and includes identical requirements.

C. Site Data, Quantities, and Missing Exhibits

10 Attachment 5 / TE 5, Site Summary (p. 99);

Attachment 3 / TE 3 (pp.

96-97)

Attachment 5 states Total Developed Cemetery of 315.8 acres, while Attachment 3 states the contractor "is responsible for the full 460 developed acres" and estimates mowing, trimming, edging, and pest and weed control against 460 acres. Attachment 5 also states a Total Site Area of 1,236.8 acres, while PWS 1.2 describes 740 acres transferred in 1976 plus 181 acres in 2003. Please state the acreage figures offerors should use for: (a) mowed and maintained developed turf; (b) irrigated turf; (c) non-irrigated and buffer areas; and (d) total site.

Answer: Area Type – Acres - Source Clarification

(a) Mowed & Maintained Developed Turf - 315.8 acres - Based on

Attachment 5 “Total Developed Cemetery” figure. This accurately reflects the turf requiring weekly maintenance (mowing, trimming, edging, pest/weed control).

(b) Irrigated Turf - 300 - Matches Attachment 5 “Irrigated Turf” total.

(c) Non‑Irrigated Turf & Landscape Buffer Areas - 50 acres - Derived from

Attachment 5’s “Landscape Buffer Areas” category.

(d) Total Site Area - 1,236.8 acres - Reflects the absolute comprehensive footprint as per Attachment 5.

Attachment 5 vs. Attachment 3 discrepancy: Attachment 5 specifies 315.8 acres of developed cemetery, while Attachment 3’s reference to “460 developed acres” appears to include additional undeclared areas (e.g., buffer zones or other maintained spaces).

Which to use: For precision in the proposal and compliance, Attachment 5 figures are the official.

Contract data—these should be reported in the technical and staffing narrative.

Buffer & Non‑turf areas: Attachment 5’s buffer acreage (50 acres) is separate and non‑irrigated; it is consistent with standard landscaping delineations.

Total acreage: The large figure (1,236.8 acres) represents the full contract boundaries—including developed, buffer, water bodies, and undeveloped land.

Treat 315.8 acres as the basis for weekly maintenance labor and equipment planning.

Use 300 acres specifically for irrigation scheduling and components sizing.

Budget buffer/landscape-only maintenance on 50 acres.

Reference the total 1,236.8‑acre site to justify project complexity, management oversight, transportation/logistics, and watering system coverage.

11 Attachment 5 / TE 5 (p. 99) Attachment 5 lists "Interment Section Area - 290" and "Irrigated Turf - 300" with no unit of measure. Please state the units for each (sections, acres, or square feet).

Answer: Both Interment Section Area – 290 and Irrigated Turf – 300 in Attachment 5 are expressed in acres.

These values are listed alongside other acreage measures—such as Total Developed Cemetery (315.8 acres), Brush Clearing Area (605 acres), and Landscape Buffer Areas (50 acres)—so it is logical and consistent that “290” and “300” also denote acres.

There is no indication in the exhibit of other units (e.g., square feet or number of sections), and standard cemetery land-use exhibits typically report these areas in acres.

Interment Section Area – 290 acres Irrigated Turf – 300 acres

12 Attachment 5 (p. 99); PWS

5.2.22.22 and 5.2.22.23

(p. 57)

Attachment 5 states a Brush Clearing Area of 605 acres; PWS 5.2.22.23 refers to "the 600 acres undeveloped" and requires biannual clearing; PWS

5.2.22.22 requires brush clearing "twice monthly during active growing season and monthly during the slow growth season." Please confirm the acreage subject to brush clearing and the required frequency for each area, as these two frequencies differ by roughly an order of magnitude in labor and equipment hours.

Answer: Brush-Clearing Scope & Frequencies

1. Undeveloped Cemetery Area (~600 acres)

Extent: The roughly 605 acres of undeveloped cemetery land (as per Attachment 5) described as “600 acres undeveloped” in PWS 5.2.22.23.

Frequency: Biannual clearing, using brush hog equipment to maintain vegetation at 4–6 inches or less. “PWS 5.2.22.23 refers to the 600 acres undeveloped…and requires biannual clearing.”

2. Developed Cemetery Area (~315.8 acres) Extent: The developed cemetery area (315.8 acres, Attachment 5).

Frequency: Twice monthly during the active growing season and monthly during the dormant season. “PWS 5.2.22.22 requires brush clearing ‘twice monthly during active growing season and monthly during the slow growth season.’”

Basis & Clarification Attachment 5 defines 605 acres of Brush Clearing Area and 315.8 acres of Developed Cemetery.

PWS 5.2.22.23 targets the ~600-acre undeveloped section for biannual clearing.

PWS 5.2.22.22 applies to the developed cemetery, requiring more frequent twice-monthly maintenance during active periods, and monthly otherwise.

13 Attachment 4 / TE 4, Site Map (p. 98)

The site map provided is the public visitor map and does not delineate work areas or quantities. Please provide a scaled site plan (PDF, CAD, or GIS) showing acreage by burial section, irrigated versus non-irrigated turf, buffer and undeveloped brush-clearing areas, columbaria courts, memorial areas, roadways and walks subject to edging, and the contractor storage yard and materials bays.

Answer: Based on your question, the solicitation does not include:

A scaled engineering site plan CAD/GIS files Section‑by‑section acreage Delineation of irrigated vs. non‑irrigated turf

Burial‑section boundaries Edging quantities by roadway or walk Columbaria court spatial layouts Contractor yard and material‑bay locations The only mapping data in the solicitation is the public visitor map, which contains no measurable features, no scale, and no quantity references. You must request this information from the Contracting Officer. Only the government can legally provide scaled plans, geospatial layers, or area calculations.

14 PWS 5.2.1.1 (p. 39); PWS

5.7.1.3 (p. 75)

PWS 5.2.1.1 directs offerors to "See Appendix for approximate square-feet of turf that will need renovation each year," and PWS 5.7.1.3 directs offerors to "See Appendices for locations and estimated quantities of structures to be maintained." No such appendices are included in the solicitation. Please provide them, or confirm that Attachment 3 (24,000 SF of renovation) and Attachment 5 are the controlling estimates.

Answer: The solicitation text for:

PWS 5.2.1.1 (“See Appendix for approximate square‑feet of turf that will need renovation each year”) PWS 5.7.1.3 (“See Appendices for locations and estimated quantities of structures to be maintained”) refers to appendices that are not included anywhere in the solicitation package you provided (Attachments 1–5).

When required appendices are referenced but not provided, industry practice is to rely on the controlling quantitative exhibits included in the solicitation.

In this case: Attachment 3 and Attachment 5 are the controlling workload estimates.

1. Turf Renovation Quantity (PWS 5.2.1.1) Use the quantity explicitly included in Attachment 3: 24,000 square feet per year of turf renovation/sodding.

This is the only square‑foot turf renovation value provided in the entire solicitation.

2. Structural Maintenance Quantities (PWS 5.7.1.3) No separate appendix exists. Use the structural quantities contained in Attachment 5 (Technical Exhibit 5):

Miles of curbs and walks Number of headstones (196,000) Acres of ponds, lakes, canals, drainage Irrigation devices, valves, pumps Buffer areas, brush‑clearing acreage, etc.

These are the only official quantities provided.

Because the solicitation references missing appendices that do not exist, offerors should rely on:

(a) Attachment 3 — for turf renovation square‑feet (24,000 SF)

(b) Attachment 5 — for all site structure counts and acreage values. This fully satisfies the intent of PWS 5.2.1.1 and PWS 5.7.1.3 and provides the only authoritative workload baseline available within the issued solicitation.

15 PWS 5.6 (pp. 72-75); PWS

5.7.1.2 (p. 75)

Please provide quantities for the following, none of which appear in Attachment 5: number of trash receptacles serviced; number of floral vase receptacles and the estimated annual quantity of replacement plastic vases and flower cones the contractor must stock; number and type of buildings, shelters, rostrums, and restroom structures to be cleaned and maintained;

number of niches and linear feet of columbaria and memorial wall to be pressure washed; and number of fire extinguishers the contractor must provide and maintain.

Answer: - Gray trash bins 24

- Permanent trash bin (concrete) 118

- Floral bins 96

1. Building 1001- Administration Building - 4 Restrooms, 6 Fire Extinguishers

2. Building 1002 - Information Booth - 1 Fire Extinguisher

3. Building 1501 - Assembly Area Public rest Room by Main Drive

4. 1502 Amphitheater Public Restroom

5. Building 3001 Maintenance Employee Building - 1 Fire Extinguisher

6. Building 3002 Foreman’s Building - 1 Fire Extinguisher

7. Building 3003 maintenance Building - 1 restroom, 4 Fire Extinguishers

8. Building 3004 Maintenance Office Key Room

9. Building 3005 Equipment Storage Structure #1

10. Building 3006 Equipment Storage Structure #2

11. Building 3007 Irrigation Shop Warehouse

12. Building 3009 Flammable/Pesticide Storage

13. Building 3010 Equipment Storage Structure #3

14. Building 3011 Equipment Storage Structure #4

15. Building 34T1 Memorial Detail Trailer - 1 Restroom, 2 Fire Extinguishers

16. 3G01 Pre-Fabricated Flag Storage Shed

17. 3P01 Solar Panel Shade Structure

18. 3W01 Pump Station A

19. 3W02 Pump Station B

20. Building 4604 Columbarium C

21. Building 4801 Committal Shelter A

22. Building 4802 Committal Shelter B

23. Building 4803 Committal Shelter C

24. Building 4804 Committal Shelter D

25. Building 4805 Committal Shelter E

26. Building 4806 Committal Shelter F

27. Building 4807 Committal Shelter G

28. Building 5101 Amphitheater

29. Building 3012 Phase 4 Annex (Phase5)

30. Building 1503 Cortege lanes Restroom

31. Building 5704 Medal of Honor Building

16 Attachment 5 (p. 99);

Attachment 3 (pp. 96-97);

PWS 5.3 (pp. 59-68)

Attachment 5 lists 41 master valves, 0 automatic control valves, 9 combination valves, 3 isolation valves, and 5 submersible pumps, while Attachment 3 refers to quarterly exercise and testing of "17 to 21 Points of Connection (POC) and Master Valves" and weekly manual actuation of "300+ zones and 30,000+ heads." Please reconcile these figures and state the actual counts of irrigation zones, heads, master valves, remote control valves, and points of connection.

Answer: Attachment 3 for functional workload counts (“300+ zones,” “30,000+ heads,” “17–21 POCs”) Attachment 5 for inventory counts (41 master valves, 9 combo valves, 3 isolation valves, 5 submersible pumps)

These two data sets cannot be reconciled because they describe different parts of the irrigation system, and the required linking documentation is not included in the solicitation. All information provided is accurate for every valve, points and zones, as verified by the irrigation technician.

17 Attachment 3 (pp. 96-97);

PWS 5.2.5.1 (p. 41)

Attachment 3 estimates 1,800 to 2,500 burials annually (150 to 200 per month) and separately "roughly 5 to 10 burials per day," while PWS 5.2.5.1 states the cemetery "averages about six (6) second interment gravesites a day, 30 a week, and 120 a month." Please state the estimated annual number of gravesites requiring sodding, separated between first interments and second interments, and confirm whether first interment gravesites are also re-sodded by the contractor.

Answer: Cemetery averages about six (6) second interment gravesites a day, 30 a week, and 120 a month. First interment gravesites section(s) are also re-sodded by the contractor.

18 Attachment 3 (pp. 96-97) To support price realism, please provide actual historical workload for the two most recent contract years: gravesites sodded, square feet of large-scale turf renovation performed, irrigation repairs completed, and cypress or plant replacements performed.

Answer: - Gravesites sodded: newly interred gravesites and second interment gravesites – average 10,500 sq ft a month.

- Square feet of large-scale turf renovation: newly interred gravesites – average 9

- Irrigation repairs completed: 350

- Cypress or plant replacements performed: As needed plant one squad of nine and or as needed for replacements of cypress trees The solicitation and attachments that are provided do not include historical annual performance data for:

Gravesites sodded Square footage of large-scale turf renovations Irrigation repair counts Cypress or plant replacements This information typically resides in internal Government contract performance or historical workload reports, but none of that data is present in the PWS or Attachments 1–5.

19 PWS 5.2.21.70-5.2.21.74

(p. 55)

PWS 5.2.21.72 states that aerification "is generally necessary only once per growing season," while PWS 5.2.21.74 requires core aeration "over cemetery turf" without stating either a frequency or an area. Please state the required number of core aeration cycles per year, and confirm whether core aeration is required on irrigated turf only or also on non-irrigated turf and buffer areas.

Answer: Frequency:

1 core aeration cycle per year (once per growing season).

Area:

Core aeration applies to maintained cemetery turf, which means: All developed turf (approx. 315.8 acres).

Core aeration does NOT apply to:

Undeveloped brush‑clearing acreage (605 acres) Buffer / non‑irrigated areas (50 acres)

Non‑turf naturalized areas These areas are not “cemetery turf” in the PWS sense.

20 PWS 5.2.21.74 (p. 55);

Attachment 5 / TE 5 (p. 99)

Please state the number of acres of turf to be core aerated each year, identified by burial section or shown on a marked site plan.

Answer: Core aeration applies to:

Developed cemetery turf acreage: 315.8 acres

Core aeration does not apply to:

Undeveloped brush-clearing areas: 605 acres Landscape buffer areas: 50 acres Non‑irrigated naturalized areas

Required Turf Acreage for Annual Core Aeration. 315.8 acres of developed cemetery turf (From Attachment 5) This is the only turf acreage provided in the solicitation and therefore the only defensible quantity for proposal or pricing purposes.

21 PWS 5.2.22.8 and

5.2.22.9 (p. 55); PWS

5.2.22.10 (p. 56)

PWS 5.2.22.8 and 5.2.22.9 require the established warm season and cool season turf to be topdressed annually, immediately following the turf aeration and while the core aeration holes are open, at a rate of 0.5 cubic yards per 1,000 square feet. Please confirm that annual topdressing is to be performed immediately after the annual aeration cycle, and state the number of acres to be topdressed annually, broken out between warm season turf (Type 1, 90/10 sand and reed sedge peat mix) and cool season turf (clean river sand alternating with the 40:30:30 mix), so that offerors can compute the required cubic yardage and material cost.

Answer: Yes — annual topdressing is performed immediately after the annual aeration cycle.

PWS 5.2.22.8 (warm season) “Immediately following the spring turf aeration… topdress the established warm season turf annually…”

PWS 5.2.22.9 (cool season) “Immediately following the turf aeration, topdress the established cool season turf annually…” Both require topdressing while core aeration holes are open.

Both warm‑ and cool‑season turf require:

0.5 cubic yards per 1,000 square feet of turf topdressing per year.

22 PWS 5.2.22.13 and

5.2.22.14 (p. 56); PWS 5.1

(p. 38)

Please confirm whether Topdressing Type 1 and Topdressing Type 3 are both required annually. Type 3 is triggered by overseeding or interseeding, but no overseeding or interseeding task, frequency, or acreage is stated anywhere in the PWS, and PWS 5.1 lists turf-type tall fescue grass seed as a supply-only item. Please confirm which party performs overseeding and interseeding, the annual acreage involved, and the corresponding acreage subject to Type 3 topdressing.

Answer: Type 1 topdressing is required annually as part of standard turf maintenance.

Type 3 topdressing is only required when overseeding or interseeding occurs and is not an annual requirement.

Overseeding/interseeding will be based on actual turf and ground conditions, and Type 3 topdressing will apply only to the acreage where those activities occur.

Because warm- vs. cool-season turf acreage and overseeding acreage are missing, offerors cannot compute cubic yardage or cost for Type 1 or Type 3 topdressing.

23 PWS 1.4 (p. 21); PWS

4.1.4 (p. 32); PWS 1.8.15

(p. 24); PWS 5.2.5 (p. 41)

Are initial flat marker installations within the scope of this contract? PWS 1.4 lists only six service requirements and does not include headstone or marker setting, yet PWS 4.1.4 requires the weekly Completed Work Report to detail "specifics regarding marker settings, alignments, et cetera," and PWS 1.8.15 addresses licensed land surveyors resetting grid or sectional monuments "disturbed during raise & realignment of headstones." No CLIN, task paragraph, or workload estimate for marker setting appears anywhere in the PWS or in Attachment 3. Please confirm whether initial flat marker installation, marker raising and realignment, and marker resetting are contractor responsibilities or are performed by Government staff. If they are contractor responsibilities, please identify the governing CLIN, the estimated annual quantity of markers, and the applicable setting standard.

Answer: Initial flat marker installations are not included in the six service requirements listed in PWS 1.4. PWS 4.1.4’s reference to “marker settings, alignments, etc.”

pertains only to documenting completed marker setting by others, not performing the setting. PWS 1.8.15 requires land surveyors to reset “grid or sectional monuments disturbed during raise & realignment of headstones”—this refers to marker alignment, not setting new markers.

There is no CLIN, task paragraph, workload estimate, or payment line item for:

Initial flat marker installation Flat marker raising or realignment Marker resetting

These terms only appear as:

Data points in the completed work report Interim or corrective tasks in passing—not scoped Surveyor duties, not general site maintenance

Contractor is responsible for:

Reporting/surveying marker settings in weekly reports Coordinating with licensed land surveyors if monuments/headstones are disturbed during maintenance.

Contractor is not responsible for:

Installing new flat markers Setting, raising, or aligning markers as a deliverable item Resetting markers, unless associated with monument disturbance that triggers 1.8.15 surveyor involvement Those marker placements are performed by Government personnel and are not part of contractor scope.

24 PWS 5.2.22.7-5.2.22.15

(pp. 55-56)

May Topdressing Type 1 and Topdressing Type 3 be combined into a single application where both are due in the same area and season? If the Government will permit a combined application, please specify the topdressing mix to be used, since Type 1 specifies a 90% sand / 10% reed sedge peat mix for warm season turf and clean river sand alternating with a 40:30:30 sandy loam topsoil, peat humus, and compost mix for cool season turf, while Type 3 specifies a seed topper formulated for overseeding. Please also confirm whether the combined application would remain at the 0.5 cubic yards per 1,000 square feet rate stated in PWS 5.2.22.10 and 5.2.22.15, or at a different rate.

Answer: Because overseeding/interseeding:

has no task paragraph, has no frequency, has no acreage, has no CLIN, and grass seed is “supply only,”

Type 3 topdressing is NOT a standard annual requirement and happens only when the COR orders overseeding/interseeding.

Therefore:

Type 1 topdressing = required annually Type 3 topdressing = required only when COR orders overseeding/interseeding Combining is NOT authorized by default

Combined mix and combined rate = must be specified by the Government

D. Conflicting Frequencies and Performance Standards

25 PWS 5.6.1.1 (p. 72); PWS 1.8.4, 1.8.5, 1.8.6 (pp. 22- 23)

PWS 5.6.1.1 requires all trash bins to be emptied a minimum of twice daily "every day, including weekends and all Federal holidays," with service occurring between 7:00 AM and 3:30 PM. PWS 1.8.4 establishes normal hours of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday, PWS 1.8.5 states work is normally not conducted on Federal holidays, and PWS 1.8.6 states the Government "must not compensate the Contractor for any alternate work schedules." Please confirm: (a) that seven-day-per-week, holiday-inclusive trash service is required; (b) the authorized service window, including whether a 7:00 AM start is approved notwithstanding PWS 1.8.4; and (c) that the cost of weekend and holiday coverage is to be included in the CLIN 0006 monthly price.

Answer: Yes, trash bins must be emptied twice daily, every day including weekends and holidays, between 7:00 AM and 3:30 PM. Include weekend and holiday coverage in CLIN 0006 monthly price.

26 QASP SP #9 and SP #10

(p. 92); Attachment 3 (p.

96); PWS 5.7.3.1 and

5.7.7.1 (pp. 76-77); PWS 5.7.12-5.7.14 (pp. 80-82)

The QASP and Attachment 3 require weekly hand cleaning of granite and bronze to a spot-free finish and monthly pressure washing of hard surfaces, while PWS 5.7.3.1 and 5.7.7.1 require pressure washing of the columbaria and memorial wall structures only twice per year. Please confirm the governing frequency for each structure: the five columbaria complexes and memorial wall, and each named memorial (POW/MIA, Veterans Memorial, Gold Star Families, American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans Memorial, and Medal of Honor Memorial).

Answer: 1. Columbaria Complexes (all five complexes) Governing Standard: PWS 5.7.3.1 and 5.7.7.1 → Biannual pressure washing only.

These sections require:

Pressure washing twice per year One week before Memorial Day One week before Veterans Day Low‑pressure settings on concrete and stonework

Columbaria - pressure washed only twice per year.

(No weekly hand cleaning is required on columbaria walls or niche covers.)

2. Memorial Wall (the primary Memorial Wall structure) Governing Standard: Same PWS sections as columbaria:

Biannual pressure washing (2× per year)

One week before Memorial Day and Veterans Day Low‑pressure

Memorial Wall = pressure washed twice per year.

3. Named Memorials These include:

POW/MIA Memorial Veterans Memorial Gold Star Families Memorial American Indian & Alaska Native Veterans Memorial Medal of Honor Memorial

Governing Standard: PWS 5.7.7.1 – Memorial Maintenance This requires:

Weekly hand cleaning of granite and bronze to a spot‑free finish Monthly pressure washing of hard surfaces associated with memorials (not the same as columbaria/memorial wall frequency) This matches QASP SP #10, which also requires:

Weekly hand cleaning Monthly pressure washing

27 QASP SP #4 (p. 91); PWS

5.2.21.60 (p. 53); PWS

5.2.21.52 (p. 52)

QASP SP #4 requires that "clippings [be] removed same day," while PWS

5.2.21.60 requires the use of rotary mowers with mulching decks and PWS

5.2.21.52 requires only that clippings be cleared from headstones, walks, curbs, and roads. Please confirm whether clippings are to be mulched in place with hard-surface cleanup, or collected, bagged, and hauled off site.

Answer: This requirement refers to cleaning clippings off hard surfaces, not removing clippings from turf.

QASP SP #4: “clippings removed same day.” This aligns with PWS 5.2.21.52, which requires removal of clippings only from:

headstones section markers walks curbs concrete bases signs roads

NOT from the turf surface itself.

Nothing in the PWS requires: collection of clippings from turf, bagging, hauling off site, or placement in dumpsters.

Mulching decks eliminate the need for bagging. The only removal required is hard-surface cleanup, not turf collection.

Clippings must be mulched into the turf.

Clippings landing on hard surfaces must be cleaned off same day.

Clippings are to be mulched in place using rotary mulching mowers.

Clippings are NOT to be collected, bagged, or hauled off site.

Clippings must be cleaned off headstones, walks, curbs, markers, signs, and roads the same day.

Leaf‑blowers may be used to clear hard surfaces, but not to blow clippings into planting beds or rock gardens.

28 PWS 5.2.21.38 and

5.2.21.39 (p. 51); QASP SP #4 (p. 91)

The cutting height table at PWS 5.2.21.38 specifies 3.0 to 3.5 inches for cool season turfgrass, while PWS 5.2.21.39 and QASP SP #4 specify 2.0 to 3.5 inches. Please confirm the governing standard and the threshold below which turf is considered scalped and must be renovated at contractor expense.

Answer: The cutting-height standard and the threshold for determining when turf is considered “scalped” at Riverside National Cemetery are defined in the PWS. Turf must be maintained 3.0 to 3.5 inches as professionally recommended height for the specific turfgrass type, and the height must stay within 0.5 inches above that recommended range Turf is considered scalped when mower decks or string trimmers remove grass below the acceptable height, causing visible soil exposure, gouging, uneven cutting, or a “bowl” effect around headstones.

Scalping is explicitly identified as unacceptable, and any scalped turf must be repaired under Turf Renovation requirements.

Additional Standards in the RNC PWS General Height Standard All turf in burial and public areas must be kept within one-inch range of the professionally recommended height for the species.

Definition of Scalping Turf is considered scalped when trimming or mowing cuts below the required height, causing:

• soil exposure,

• gouging,

• uneven or rough cutting,

• a “bowl effect” around headstones, or

• any area shorter than the required height.

Scalped turf must be repaired under Turf Renovation at no additional cost to the Government.

Warm-Season Turfgrass Cutting height: 2.0 to 3.5 inches Cool-Season Turfgrass Cutting height: 3.0 to 3.5 inches

29 QASP SP #9 and SP #10

(p. 92)

QASP SP #9 and SP #10 cite "PWS 5.10" and "PWS 5.10.2." Section 5 of the PWS ends at 5.8. Please provide the correct cross-references.

Answer: Section 5 of the PWS ends at 5.8. Refer to the relevant structure cleaning and memorial maintenance sections for correct cross-references.

30 PWS 5.2.5.1 (p. 41); QASP SP #2 (p. 91)

PWS 5.2.5.1 requires the sod bed for second interment gravesites to be prepared "within five (5) working days" after burial and also designates "every Tuesday as a re-sodding day," while QASP SP #2 requires re-sodding completed within five working days with zero missed gravesites. Please confirm whether a single weekly re-sodding day satisfies the five-working-day standard, or whether re-sodding must occur on a rolling five-working-day basis regardless of day of week.

Answer: Tuesday is the standard re‑sodding day But ONLY if Tuesday falls within the 5‑working‑day window for each burial Contractor must re‑sod on additional days whenever a Tuesday re‑sodding would miss the 5‑day deadline QASP SP #2’s “100% compliance; zero missed gravesites” governs.

31 PWS 5.7.11.6 (p. 79);

Attachment 3 (p. 96)

PWS 5.7.11.6 requires cypress trees to be maintained at a target height of 18 feet with quarterly crown reduction and biannual topping, and Attachment 3 identifies 157 cypress trees on a quarterly pruning and topping cycle. Please confirm the tree count and current average height, whether aerial lift or climbing work is anticipated, and whether hazard tree removal, stump grinding, and tree work outside the named memorial areas are within the scope of this contract or handled under a separate contract.

Answer: 1. Cypress tree count:

157 trees (from Attachment 3)

2. Current average height:

Maintain18‑foot height.

3. Aerial lift or climbing work:

Aerial lift or climbing may be required, but the PWS does not say.

4. Hazard tree removal / stump grinding:

Not included in this contract.

5. Other tree work outside memorial areas:

Not included, except routine pruning of the 157 cypress trees and up to 5 replacement trees annually.

E. Wage Determination, Labor Classifications, and Staffing

32 Attachment 3 / TE 3 (p.

96); WD 2015-5629 Rev.

Attachment 3 identifies "Irrigation System Technician (SCA 23441)." No occupation code 23441 appears in WD 2015-5629 Rev. 29. Please identify the intended classification, or confirm that a conformance action under FAR 52.222-41(c) and SF 1444 will be required after award. If conformance is required, please confirm that offerors should propose a conformed rate and that any difference between the proposed rate and the rate ultimately approved by the Department of Labor will be addressed under FAR 52.222-43.

Answer: Under the Department of Labor (DOL) Service Contract Act, the contractor is responsible for submitting a wage classification conformance request when a labor category needed for contract performance is not listed in the applicable Wage Determination. That being said, irrigation work is typically covered under SCA classification 11210 – Laborer, Grounds Maintenance.

33 FAR 52.222-41 / 52.222-

42 (p. 122)

Are any incumbent service employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement? If so, please provide the CBA and confirm whether the successor contract will be governed by a CBA-based wage determination rather than the area-wide wage determination.

Answer: CBA wages do not apply.

34 PWS 1.8.20 (p. 25) PWS 1.8.20 requires the Site Manager to be "accredited by the Landscape Contractors Association, or equivalent accreditation program, (e.g., PLANET)." PLANET is now the National Association of Landscape Professionals. Please confirm the currently acceptable credentials, for example the NALP Landscape Industry Certified Manager designation.

Answer: Landscape Industry Certified Manager (National Association of Landscape Professionals, formerly PLANET)

The Landscape Industry Certified Manager credential is the direct successor to the PLANET “CLP” certification.

This designation reflects proficiency in management, customer service, operations, and landscape science.

It meets the solicitation’s requirement for accreditation by the former PLANET or equivalent.

Propose a candidate holding the NALP Landscape Industry Certified Manager credential. This directly aligns with PWS and updates PLANET accreditation to the current NALP standard. If needed, include additional certifications (e.g., Technician, Lawn Care Manager) as supplementary evidence of technical depth.

35 Sec. 3, WD 2015-5629 Rev. 29 dated 05/13/2026

(pp. 132-138)

Please confirm that WD 2015-5629 Rev. 29 is the wage determination that will be incorporated at award, and that any subsequent revision issued before award will be incorporated by amendment with a corresponding opportunity to revise price.

Answer: Amendment 0006 publishes the revised SCA Wage Determination No.: 2015- 5629, rev. 31, dated 08/27/2026. Another wage determination revision may be required prior to award. Via this amendment and the 08/27/2026 revision, offerors may revise their proposed pricing. Subsequent SCA wage determinations will be processed via requests for equitable adjustments at the anniversary of the contract or execution of an option year.

36 FAR 52.222-55 (p. 122);

WD 2015-5629 Rev. 29 (p.

136)

The solicitation incorporates FAR 52.222-55, Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026, while the incorporated wage determination contains only the Executive Order 13658 note and does not state an EO 14026 rate. Please confirm which Executive Order minimum wage, if any, applies to this contract and the applicable hourly rate for the base period.

Answer: Please review SCA Wage Determination No.: 2015-5629, rev. 31, dated 08/27/2026. Please contract the Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, if you have any questions.

37 PWS 1.8.10 (p. 23) Please confirm the level of vetting required for contractor personnel:

cemetery access badging and a personnel roster only, or PIV/HSPD-12 credentialing and background investigations. If investigations are required, please identify who bears the cost and the expected processing time relative to the phase-in period.

Answer: Required Vetting:

Cemetery access badging + contractor photo ID only

No PIV No HSPD‑12 No background investigation No fingerprinting No federal clearance

Cost: Contractor pays only for its own photo IDs No VA or DCSA investigation costs

Processing Time: Immediate or within days Not tied to lengthy clearance processes

Fully compatible with the phase‑in period

F. Government-Furnished Property, Materials, and Utilities

38 PWS 3.3 (p. 31); PWS 4.1

(p. 31); PWS 5.6.1.8 and

5.6.1.32 (pp. 73-75)

PWS 3.3 states the Government will provide a roll-off dumpster for trash only;

PWS 4.1 states the contractor must have roll-off dumpsters for trash and debris removal; PWS 5.6.1.8 requires the contractor to provide a commercial waste collection contract "if not provided by the Cemetery"; and PWS

5.6.1.32 requires the contractor to provide dumpster delivery and pickup services. Please state definitively which party furnishes and pays for containers and hauling and disposal for (a) municipal trash, (b) recyclables, and (c) green waste, and confirm whether the on-site spoils area may be used for green waste and interment spoils at no cost.

Answer: Government:

Provides one trash-only dumpster and a spoils area for soil only.

Contractor:

Provides all other dumpsters (trash overflow, recyclables, green waste).

Provides all hauling & disposal for recyclables, debris, green waste, and contractor trash.

Pays for all commercial waste collection, unless the cemetery explicitly provides hauling (it does not).

May use the spoils area for soil at no cost.

39 PWS 5.1 (p. 38); PWS

5.2.9.1 (p. 42)

PWS 5.1 lists "Grass Seed: Turf-Type Tall Fescue (Supply Only), Holganix Organic Solution Bio800+Lawn and Blue Sky (Supply Only), and 93% Sulfuric Acid (Supply Only)" among the required services, and PWS 5.2.9.1 states the Holganix products are supplied by the contractor but applied exclusively by RNC staff. No CLIN, quantity, delivery schedule, or specification is provided for these items. Please (a) confirm whether these supply-only items are within the scope of this contract; (b) provide the estimated annual quantity, container size, and delivery point for each; and (c) identify the CLIN under which they are to be priced.

Answer: This requirement has been removed from the PWS. See revised PWS in amendment 0006.

40 PWS 5.2.9.1 (p. 42); PWS

5.2.10 (pp. 42-43)

PWS 5.2.9.1 states that Holganix Organic Solution Bio800+Lawn and Blue Sky are furnished by the contractor but applied exclusively by RNC staff, and distinguishes those products from conventional contractor-applied fertilizer.

Please confirm whether the prescriptive fertilizer requirements of PWS 5.2.10 remain fully applicable to the contractor in addition to the Government-applied Holganix program - specifically 5 to 6 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year, split into four or more applications for cool season turf and five applications for warm season turf - or whether the Holganix program offsets any portion of the PWS 5.2.10 requirement.

Answer: Holganix supply-only, the requirement has been removed. Therefore, the contractor follows only the conventional PWS fertilizer requirements, including 5–6 lbs actual nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft per year with split applications for cool/warm season turf. See revised PWS in amendment 0006.

G. CLIN 0008 - One-Time MOH Pool Pump System Replacement and Repairs

41 PWS 5.8 (pp. 84-85) PWS 5.8 lists tasks for the Medal of Honor reflection pool pump room but provides no equipment specifications. Please provide the make, model, capacity, voltage, and phase for the existing programmable time clocks, auto-fill control board, auto-fill sensor, HOA switches, and anemometer, and provide the required specification, capacity, and location for the water softener tank to be installed.

Answer: The PWS lists required tasks (replace programmable time clocks, auto-fill board, sensor, HOA switches, anemometer, install water softener tank), but does not provide make, model, voltage, phase, or capacity specifications.

These must be confirmed onsite with COR.

42 Attachment 11 / TE 11

(pp. 106-108)

The as-built drawings for Pump Stations A, B, and C are reproduced at page scale and are not legible. Please provide full-size or native-format drawings.

Answer: Full-size or native-format drawings are not contained in the uploaded PWS.

As-built drawings included in Attachment 11 are displayed at reduced scale.

Contractors must request full-size versions from the COR.

43 PWS 5.4 (pp. 68-71); PWS

5.8 (p. 84); Attachment 5

(p. 99)

Please identify the CLIN that covers ongoing operation, water treatment, cleaning, filtration, and pump maintenance of the Medal of Honor reflection pool and the upper and small ponds after the CLIN 0008 upgrade is complete, and confirm the water quality standard applicable to the reflection pool.

Answer: Ongoing pond/pool operations fall under PWS 5.4 (Pond Services), covered by CLIN 0004. Water quality standards: maintain clean water free of algae, pests, and debris per pond-management requirements.

44 PWS 5.8.13 (p. 85) Please confirm the warranty period expected for the parts and labor furnished under CLIN 0008, and whether the contractor remains responsible for the replaced components in subsequent option years.

Answer: PWS requires verification of full operational functionality before final acceptance but does not specify a warranty period. Responsibilities for replaced components in option years are not detailed; default FAR warranty provisions apply unless amended.

H. Repairs, Quoted Work, and Risk Allocation

45 PWS 5.3 (p. 59); PWS 5.3.1.11, 5.3.1.40 (pp. 60- 62); PWS 5.5.1.15 (p. 72)

The PWS requires "Irrigation System Minor Repairs" within the fixed-price CLIN and separately directs the contractor to submit quotes for repairs "above and beyond routine maintenance." Please define the boundary between the two, by dollar threshold, labor-hour threshold, or parts-cost threshold per occurrence, and identify the CLIN or contract action under which quoted repairs will be ordered and funded.

Answer: Included under the Fixed-Price CLIN (“Minor Repairs”):

Routine irrigation system maintenance Minor repairs and adjustments such as:

Replacing broken sprinkler heads Replacing or adjusting risers Tightening fittings Minor PVC line repairs Filter cleaning

No advance quote required No limit to labor hours or parts cost Included within the monthly irrigation service payment

Not Included Without Prior Authorization:

Any repair classified as “above and beyond routine maintenance”, which typically includes:

Controller or clock replacements

Major mainline breaks Master valve kit replacement Pump station repairs Controller system rewiring Excavation Extensive valve or POC replacement

Contractor must:

Identify the issue to the COR Provide a written quote Await COR approval Execute via separate CLIN or contract modification

This work is not covered by the monthly CLIN

Financial Boundary and Funding Source:

There is no pre-set threshold in the contract document defining the monetary or labor boundary between minor and major repairs. Major repairs (i.e.

non-routine maintenance) will be procured outside of this contract.

46 Attachment 3 (p. 96); PWS 5.3

Attachment 3 requires "routine repairs of broken heads, risers, and lines within 24 to 48 hours." Please provide the historical annual volume of irrigation repairs for the last two contract years, broken out by heads, risers, lateral lines, valves, and mainline breaks, and confirm whether mainline and pump station component repairs are within the fixed monthly price or are quoted work.

Answer: (A) Historical irrigation repair volume for heads, risers, laterals, valves, and mainlines:

Not provided in PWS or Attachments; must be supplied by Government.

(B) Are mainline breaks included in fixed-price?

No. Mainline breaks are quoted major repairs outside fixed-price scope.

(C) Are pump station component repairs fixed-price?

No. Pump station repairs are quoted major repairs outside fixed-price scope.

(D) Funding mechanism for major repairs:

Not stated; requires COR clarification.

47 PWS 5.7.16.14 (p. 84) PWS 5.7.16.14 requires the contractor to "Replace all turf areas affected by construction or damage with sod matching adjacent turf (approximately 10,000 sq. ft.)" at the American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans Memorial.

Please confirm whether this is a one-time 10,000 square foot sod installation to be performed in the base year, whether it is in addition to the 24,000 square feet of renovation stated in Attachment 3, and the CLIN under which it is priced.

Answer: This requirement has been removed. See revised PWS in amendment 0006.

48 PWS 5.2.1.1 (p. 39);

Attachment 3 (p. 96)

Attachment 3 describes 24,000 square feet of large-scale turf renovation and sodding "as requested." Please confirm whether 24,000 square feet per year is a guaranteed minimum quantity to be priced in the monthly CLIN 0001 rate, an estimate only, or work that will be separately ordered as requested.

Answer: (a) Is 24,000 sq. ft. a guaranteed minimum annual quantity?

No. It is only an estimate, not a firm minimum.

(b) Is it an estimate for price realism?

Yes. Workload estimate only.

(c) Is it separately ordered “as requested”?

Yes. COR directs when renovation is needed.

But not under a separate CLIN.

(d) Under which CLIN is it priced?

CLIN 0001 (Monthly fixed‑price grounds maintenance).

I. Insurance, Phase-In, and Other Cost Drivers

49 FAR 52.228-5 (p. 127) FAR 52.228-5 requires insurance in "the amounts required in the Schedule or elsewhere in the contract," but no amounts are stated. Please specify the required minimum limits for commercial general liability, automobile liability, workers compensation and employer liability, and any umbrella, pollution, or pesticide applicator liability coverage, and confirm whether the Government must be named as an additional insured.

Answer: For grounds maintenance work, I recommend the following minimum insurance coverage amounts (consistent with FAR Part 28):

• Workers’ Compensation: As required by state law

• Employer’s Liability: $100,000 accident / $100,000 disease per employee / $500,000 disease policy limit

• General Liability: $500,000 per occurrence

• Automobile Liability (if applicable): $200,000 per person / $500,000 per accident / $20,000 property damage

50 PWS 1.8.24 (p. 26);

RIVERSIDENCPriceSched

PWS 1.8.24 requires a phase-in of no less than two and no more than four weeks beginning the first business day after award, with personnel on board and all equipment, materials, and supplies staged at RNC. No phase-in CLIN is provided in the price schedule. Please confirm that phase-in costs are to be recovered within the base year CLIN prices, and state the date on which the successful offeror will be granted site access, badging, and use of the storage yard relative to the 11/01/2026 start.

Answer: The exact period of performance start date will be determined and published to the successful offeror as the procurement nears award.