Amendment 2 3678625Q50121 0002.docx

5. PROJECT NUMBER (if applicable)

CODE

7. ADMINISTERED BY

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBER

CODE

6. ISSUED BY

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NUMBER

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER

9B. DATED

PAGE OF PAGES

10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER

10B. DATED

BPA NO.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE

FACILITY CODE

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Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers

E. IMPORTANT:

is extended,

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning __________ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or electronic communication which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY is not extended.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

(REV. 11/2016)

is required to sign this document and return ___________ copies to the issuing office.

is not, A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO:

Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

15C. DATE SIGNED

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by letter or electronic communication, provided each letter or electronic communication makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

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

D. OTHER

Contractor

16C. DATE SIGNED

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER

15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

STANDARD FORM 30

PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.243 (Type or print) (Type or print) (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

(Number, street, county, State and ZIP Code) (If other than Item 6) (Specify type of modification and authority) (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)

(If required)

(SEE ITEM 11)

(SEE ITEM 13)

(X)

CHECK

ONE

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

(Signature of person authorized to sign) (Signature of Contracting Officer) 36C786 Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Contracting Services 18434 Joplin Road Triangle VA 22172 36C786 Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Contracting Services 18434 Joplin Road Triangle VA 22172 To all Offerors/Bidders

3678625Q50121

X X X ** HOUR & DATE for Receipt of Offers is EXTENDED to: 02-24-2025 4:00 PM EST X The purpose of this amendment is to answer questions, provide clarifications and provide a revised price schedule.

Please see attachments Question 1, Question and Attachment A- Revised Price Schedule

Olalekan Ismail Contracting Officer

Solicitation: 36C78625Q50121 Questions 1

1) CLIN 0001 Indicates transportation and placement of urn in Columbarium and replace niche plate. There is currently no Columbarium at DNC. Please revise or clarify.

No columbarium is correct. This will need revised on the CLIN.

2) CLIN 0003 Indicates for Casket and Cremain burial preparation and completion. Casket burials will require additional equipment, labor & tools vs. a Cremain burial, which will constitute a different price value between a Casket Burial and a Cremain Burial. Not knowing how many Casket Burials or Cremain Burials will take place, we believe these should be separate CLIN’s and not lumped together.

It's separated to CLIN 5.

Burials at DNC encompass in-ground Caskets and Cremain.

In FY21 there were 102 Casket Burials and 113 Cremain Burials.

In FY22 there were 85 Casket burials and 110 Cremain Burials.

In FY23 there were 63 Casket Burials and 108 Cremain Burials.

In FY24 there were 62 Casket Burials and 95 Cremain Burials.

For FY25 (October 2024 – February 19, 2025) there have been 25 Casket Burials and 32 Cremain Burials.

3) Transportation of Urns, if there is a Direct burial will we be receiving the urn and transporting it to the gravesite, or will the COR be carrying the urn to the gravesite, which cannot be charged to the CLIN for transportation.

The COR has been transporting cremains to the site and the contractors have not been charged on direct interments.

4) The Solicitation indicates on page 3 the minimum amount for the life of contract is $5,000.00 and inclusive of base and all four (4) option years not to exceed $4,500,000.00 Does this indicate the government may elect “not” to fund certain CLIN’s from year to year?

This is an IDIQ contract; the government will fund of quantity of needed CLINS

5) CLIN 0006 Indicates Three (3) Fertilizations (Jun, Sep, Oct) and Four (4) Pre/Post Herbicide treatments to include Grub Control (Apr, May, Jun, Oct). The quantity indicates a total of 3 each. There will be applications performed in five (5) separate months (Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct); Please clarify if the quantity should be 5 instead of 3. Also, some applications will require more products in a specific month, which will require increased pricing. Will we need to perform an average total cost?

NOTE: Fertilization 3X/year.

Pre-Emergence Herbicide 2X/year.

Post-Emergence Herbicide 2X/Year.

i. Fertilization schedule: June (depending on weather – Late May), September and October (about the time of the last mowing).

ii. Pre-emergence 2X/year. 1st late March or early April. 2nd, 7 weeks after 1st application (May or June depending on 1st application).

iii. Post-emergence 2X/year. 1st early May (in preparation for Memorial Day). 2nd, October.

6) CLIN 0010 Indicates to pressure wash Committal Shelter, Columbaria, Hardscapes, Bathroom, and Pump House Building. DNC doesn’t have a Columbarium. The bathrooms are in the Admin Building, does the pressure washing include the Admin Building?

YES. It should be the entrance to the Administration Building which includes sidewalk/brick walkway.

7) Under CLIN 0010 Will the Maintenance Building on-site with bay doors need to be pressure washed?

Pressure Wash Committal Shelter, Hardscapes, Bathroom, and Pump House Building.

8) Under CLIN 0010 Will the Irrigation Pump Enclosure is in front of the Admin Building, will this need to be pressure washed?

Yes

9) Under CLIN 0010 It mentions hardscapes, does pressure washing need to be performed for the walkways near Committal Shelter and center Monument area walkways?

YES as outlined in SOW.

10) Under CLIN 0010 The hardscape areas, will pressure washing need to be performed for the brick hardscape entrance to Admin Building? Brick hardscape in front of Admin Building on roadway?

YES as outlined in SOW.

11) Under CLIN 0010, will pressure washing need to be performed on curbing along roadways and benches on perimeter of center circle area.

YES – curbing is defined in the SOW as a hardscape.

12) CLIN 0010 pressure washing under SOW A.1.10 also indicates fencing, please clarify if this includes the Cemetery perimeter fencing and fencing at Spoils Area.

Includes the fencing and the spoils area as necessary.

13) CLIN 0007 & 0008, Core aeration and overseeding, will this be required for the large field areas at entrance to Danville National Cemetery, which are near the waterway with stone rip-rap? Could you please provide on the Cemetery map which areas require aeration and overseeding Yes – A.1.7 SOW states Core Aeration of all “accessible” turfgrass areas.

14) CLIN 0005 – Mow all Native and Prairie Grass areas an unimproved turf grass area, can you please clarify these areas on the Cemetery Map.

CLINS is removed.

15) CLIN 0004 – Indicates mowing, trimming and edging tasks and is based on a unit value by the month. The Quantity shows 12, should this be 8 or 9 to account for Winter Months?

Unit is changed to weeks and quantity to 36.

16) CLIN 0004 - The mowing height indicated 3”, It specifies you are to not take more than 1/3 of grass blade, so the grass height should not exceed 4”, what about higher heat months, where the grass height should be increased to protect root structure of turf, please clarify? Will this be the responsibility of the COR to decide?

YES – Generally the SOW states “Mowing height shall generally be 3.0 inches.

YES – Contractor is to notify COR with recommendations. The COR will make the final decision.

17) CLIN 0004 - Will the contractor be responsible to replace turf areas that die because turf is kept at 3” in high heat periods of the year, which can affect the turf root structure and burn the grass?

YES – But it should not get to this point if the Contractor is in communication with the COR.

18) CLIN 0004 – Edging, it indicates to be done in conjunction with every mowing. During high grass growth period of mowing twice per week, will it be required to edge as well twice or on an as needed basis in this case?

SOW A.1.4 requires “The shall mow, which includes string trimming and edging in conjunction with each mowing…”

19) Who decides what equipment will be utilized to complete CLIN tasks, Contractor or COR?

That’s the responsibility of the contractor.

20) Can the COR direct the Contractor’s crew to perform their CLIN tasks?

NO. However, it is the responsibility of the COR to document nonperformance and/or subpar work and to provide the documentation that to the CO for resolution.

21) Can the COR interact with the Contractor’s subcontractor and tell them how to perform their task?

NO.

22) CLIN 0018 – Maintenance of Rock filled Ditch line (North & South Side), SOW indicates spraying once per month to control weeds for whole year. Quantity indicates 12, will this still need to be performed for Winter Months?

SOW A.1.18 staters “Spraying of the rock-filled ditch areas shall be done once per month for the duration each year.”

23) CLIN 0018 – Maintenance Rock Filled Ditchline (North & South Side), SOW indicates spraying once per month to control weeds, will this require NPDES Permitting because of spraying near waterway? State or local requirements?

SOW B.7 – “The Contractor will comply with Illinois Pesticide Act and is responsible for obeying all Federal & State Pesticide/Herbicide and Fertilization applicator laws in the performance of work on cemetery property.” This includes all guidance from the Illinois Department of Agriculture (Illinois Pesticide Act (415 ILCS 60/1 et seq.) which defines pesticide use and regulation.

24) CLIN 0018 – Maintenance Rock Filled Ditchline (North & South Side), SOW indicates spraying once per month, Is it the responsibility of the Contractor to file the NOI (Notification of Intent) with IEPA or is this the government’s responsibility?

This will be the responsibility of the contractor.

25) Are the contractor supervisor(s) required to have OSHA 30 training?

YES.

26) Do the contractor employees require OSHA 10 training to perform their duties?

YES.

27) Does the contractor require to have QCM (Quality Control Management) certification?

Certification is Not required but contractor should have internal quality control measures.

28) Is the NCA/Contractor required to follow the ACOE (Army Corp of Engineers) QCM (Quality Control Management), guidelines under EM 385-1?

Certification is Not required but contractor should have internal quality control measures.

29) CLIN 0019 – Irrigation System, SOW A.1.19 indicates the contractor is responsible for repair service of the irrigation system, does this include replacement of parts for controllers, solenoids, valves, piping, wiring, sprinkler heads?

YES. This is addressed in SOW “The Contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, equipment, parts, replacement parts, materials, to maintain sprinkler heads, bubblers sprayers, and riser connections as necessary to eliminate obstructions, leaks, and other defects which would prevent proper operation of the irrigation system, including unexpected breaks, leaks, and failures at no additional cost to the Government.”

30) CLIN 0019 – Irrigation System, SOW A.1.19 does the repair service include the computer controls at the pump location and/or replacement?

YES. This is addressed in SOW “The Contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, equipment, parts, replacement parts, materials, to maintain sprinkler heads, bubblers sprayers, and riser connections as necessary to eliminate obstructions, leaks, and other defects which would prevent proper operation of the irrigation system, including unexpected breaks, leaks, and failures at no additional cost to the Government.”

And… “The Contractor shall always operate and maintain the irrigation systems in good working order and repairable condition.”

31) CLIN 0019 – Irrigation System, SOW A.1.19, irrigation controllers only control the Monument Circle area and Section 21. Is the contractor responsible for the remaining piping and Buckner valves around the perimeter of the Cemetery, including repair?

YES. This is addressed in SOW “The Contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, equipment, parts, replacement parts, materials, to maintain sprinkler heads, bubblers sprayers, and riser connections as necessary to eliminate obstructions, leaks, and other defects which would prevent proper operation of the irrigation system, including unexpected breaks, leaks, and failures at no additional cost to the Government.”

And… “The Contractor shall always operate and maintain the irrigation systems in good working order and repairable condition.”

32) CLIN 0019 – Irrigation System, SOW A.1.19, irrigation system, the valve to open the system is in the center island near the Admin Building, will this require a confined space permit to access the valve to turn on the water for Spring and shut-down in the Fall?

NO. It is not a confined space.

33) CLIN 0019 – Irrigation System, SOW A.1.19, Is the contractor responsible for watering other areas in the Cemetery that is not controlled by irrigation automatic sprinkler system?

NO. The Government does not guarantee 100 percent coverage by irrigation systems. The Contractor shall ensure all improved areas receive water and shall further prevent excessive accumulation of water, except where unpreventable due to unforeseen excessive natural precipitation.

The only time when this does not apply is when there is the installation of new turfgrass. The Contractor shall ensure adequate irrigation is provided to the area to maintain the new turfgrass in good health to match the surrounding turfgrass through growing season.

34) CLIN 0019 – Irrigation System, SOW A.1.19, The only sections covered by automatic irrigation is Monument Circle and Section 21. Does this mean the contractor will need to hook up to the Buckner valves with a key and hoses to water all other sections of the Cemetery?

NO. The Government does not guarantee 100 percent coverage by irrigation systems. The Contractor shall ensure all improved areas receive water and shall further prevent excessive accumulation of water, except where unpreventable due to unforeseen excessive natural precipitation.

The only time when this does not apply is when there is the installation of new turfgrass. The Contractor shall ensure adequate irrigation is provided to the area to maintain the new turfgrass in good health to match the surrounding turfgrass through growing season.

35) CLIN 0024 – Headstone Cleaning, This CLIN shows a quantity of 4000, Will the COR indicate what headstones will be cleaned since there are more than 4000 headstones in the Cemetery?

YES.

36) CLIN 0024 – Headstone Cleaning, what if there are more than 4000 headstones that need to be cleaned prior to Memorial Day or Veterans Day, will additional quantities be funded?

NO. (Any additional future quantities are dependent upon available funding.)

37) CLIN 0024 – Headstone Cleaning, does this CLIN include clean-up of headstones for bird droppings and other dirt/debris on headstones from Spring through Fall or does this get covered under a different CLIN?

YES.

38) The solicitation attachments have provided two (2) wage determinations, SCA wage determination and Construction wage determination. Which CLIN’s fall under which wage determination?

CLINS 24, 25 & 26

39) The SCA wage shows under labor code 11210, Grounds Maintenance Laborer a base wage of $17.59, plus $4.57 (H&W) total of $22.16/HR minimum, please confirm if this is correct for CLIN’s covered under this wage determination.

The current labor rate is on Wage Determinations | SAM.gov

40) The Construction wage shows under labor code LAB0703-007 for Vermillion County shows General Labor base $32.69 + fringe $28.44 total of $61.13/HR, please confirm if this is correct for CLIN’s covered under this wage determination.

The current labor rate is on Wage Determinations | SAM.gov

36C78625Q50121 Question 2

1. Topic: Incumbent Contract Questions: Can you provide the most up-to-date annual price of the incumbent contract, including any modifications? Is this contract similar to the previous contract, or is the new solicitation consolidating multiple contracts into one? Can you please include the incumbent’s contract number?

Current Contract number is 36C78619D0141 with Lander Group, LLC. Aggregate Contract price was $2,117,733.00.

2. Topic: Contractor Staging Area REF: SOW B.1.(b) Questions: Can the government confirm that there is a staging area for the contractor to store equipment on-site? What is the total square feet of the area available? Can the government provide a map or pictures of the area? Will the contractor be permitted to install Conex boxes and an office trailer for their operations? Will the contractor be responsible for installing a fence?

There is a contractor building just North of the administrative building, see attached pictures. This is the contractors building. The far-right bay is heated. All contractor equipment is stored in this building. An office trailer and fencing is not necessary.

3. Topic: SCA Wage Determination REF: 2015-5021 Revision 22 Question: WD 2015-5021 Revision 22 was included with the solicitation. However, the most recent revision is Revision 24. Can the government confirm that we should proceed with the rates set in Revision 22 even though it is not the most up-to-date SCA Wage Determination for this region?

Current wage determination is at Wage Determinations | SAM.gov

4. Topic: DBA Wage Determination REF: Decision Number IL20240002 Question: WD Decision Number IL20240002 was included with the solicitation. However, it appears it was replaced with Decision Number IL20250002 on January 10, 2025. Can the government confirm which DBA Wage Determination should be used for this solicitation?

Current wage determination is at Wage Determinations | SAM.gov

5. Topic: DBA Wage Determination REF: Decision Number IL20240002 Question: Can the government confirm which CLINs require DBA rates?

CLINS 24, 25 & 26.

6. Topic: Fertilization, Herbicide, and Insecticide

REF: SOW A.1.6 CLIN 0006

Question: CLIN 0006 has a quantity of 3 on the price schedule. However, the description in the PWS states Provide and Apply ALL turfgrass areas (JUNE, SEP., & OCT) /Pre/Post- emergence Herbicide, including grub control insecticide: Provide and Apply on All turfgrass areas -Appropriate to the USDA Hardiness Zone (APR, MAY, JUN, & OCT). Additionally, A.1.6 of the SOW further addresses applications for Prairie Thistle. This would be, at a minimum, 10 separate applications. Should CLIN 0006 be updated to a quantity of 10, or should additional CLINs specific to Pre/Post Emergence Herbicide and Prairie Grass Thistle Control be added?

NOTE: Fertilization 3X/year.

Pre-Emergence Herbicide 2X/year.

Post-Emergence Herbicide 2X/Year.

i. Fertilization schedule: June (depending on weather – Late May), September and October (about the time of the last mowing).

ii. Pre-emergence 2X/year. 1st late March or early April. 2nd, 7 weeks after 1st application (May or June depending on 1st application).

iii. Post-emergence 2X/year. 1st early May (in preparation for Memorial Day). 2nd, October.

7. Topic: Fertilization, Herbicide, and Insecticide

REF: SOW A.1.6 CLIN 0006

Questions: How many acres are to be serviced under CLIN 0006? Will the native, prairie, and unimproved grounds also receive these services?

There are approximately 34 developed acres at Danville National Cemetery.

There are approximately 26 acres of turfgrass/cemetery grounds with headstones/markers.

8. Topic: Turfgrass

REF: CLIN 0004

Question: Can the government clarify the total acres of turfgrass to be serviced under CLIN 0004? This information cannot be determined from a site visit.

There are approx. 26 acres of turfgrass/cemetery grounds with headstones.

9. Topic: Price Schedule Quantity

REF: CLIN 0004

Question: CLIN 0004 Mow and Trim turfgrass has a quantity of 12 and a unit of months. Assuming roughly 40 services are performed under this CLIN each year, should the 40 services be spread out over the 12 months for this CLIN? How will billing occur in the winter months when no mowing and trimming is performed? We suggest changing the CLIN to the estimated quantity of annual mowing services and calling the unit “jobs” to alleviate this issue.

Unit is a week. 36 units

10. Topic: Native and Prairie Grass Areas and Unimproved Native Turf Areas

REF: CLIN 0005

Question: Can the government clarify the total acres of native and prairie grass areas and unimproved native turf areas to be serviced under CLIN 0005? This information cannot be determined from a site visit.

There is no prairie grass at the DNC.

11. Topic: Native and Prairie Grass Areas and Unimproved Native Turf Areas

REF: PWS A.1.5

Question: Roughly how many times per year will contractors be directed to mow the native prairie grass and unimproved areas?

There is no prairie grass at the DNC.

12. Topic: Setting Initial and Replacement Headstones REF: Irrigation CLIN 0022 Questions: Approximately how many of the 175 headstones under CLIN 0022 will be initial headstone settings, and how many will be replacements? Can a percentage or split be estimated if a number cannot be provided? For example, 40% are replacements, and 60% are initials.

Approx 30% of headstones are replacements.

47 of the total interments in FY24 were subsequent.

13. Topic: Soil REF: Interments Questions: Is the soil rocky? Is it anticipated that the contractor would need to break up any large rocks to complete the interments?

No, the soil is not rocky. Current contractors rarely encounter any rocks larger than a baseball.

14. Topic: Disinterments REF: PWS Page 6 Questions: The PWS states: “When a grave is opened to receive a second interment and is found to be of insufficient depth to permit interment due to an existing vault, poly or concrete liner, or casket not being deep enough, the Contractor shall notify the COR immediately.

After notification to the COR, the remains of the first interment shall be removed.” Who is responsible for these disinterments? If the contractor is responsible, how will these additional costs be recouped?

If disinterment is needed it will be handled by the cemetery.

15. Topic: Transportation of Remains

REF: CLIN 0002

Question: Is the contractor required to provide equipment similar to a Toro Casket Carrier to traverse the turf from the road to the gravesite?

Yes

16. Topic: Pressure Wash Committal Shelter, Columbaria, Hardscapes, Bathrooms, and Pump House Building Reference: CLIN 0010 and PWS A.1.10 Question: What is the approximate square footage of the committal shelter, columbaria, hardscapes, bathroom, and pump house building to be pressure washed?

Committal shelter is approx. 1,000 SF.

No columbarium.

Contractor building is approx. 2,580 SF.

The administrative building is approx. 2,400 SF.

17. Topic: Committal Shelter Assembly Reference: PWS A.1.11 Question: Will the government provide the casket mover for casket burial and placement table for cremations?

Yes

18. Topic: Placement and Removal of Flags (Grave Flags) Reference: PWS A.1.12 Question: Will the government provide the flags and storage area for the gravesite flags?

Yes

19. Topic: Headstones Reference: Trimming Question: How many headstones are presently installed at Danville National Cemetery?

There are currently 11,794 headstones.

20. Topic: Placement and Removal of Flags (50 Avenue Flags) Reference: PWS A.1.13 Question: Will the government provide the 50 flags and storage area for the avenue of flags?

Yes

21. Topic: Mulch Bed Weeding Reference: PWS A.1.16 and CLIN 0015 Question: A.1.16 of the PWS states that the contractor is responsible for maintain all mulch and planting beds and tree rings supplied with mulch and weed free as long as there is no snow cover throughout the year. To keep planting beds and tree rings weed-free would require monthly, if not weekly, maintenance. However, the CLIN for this service is a quantity of 2. Can the government confirm if this CLIN is intended for twice-annual mulching or if it should be increased to monthly planting bed and tree ring maintenance to ensure the beds remain weed-free year-round?

CLINS is changed to monthly quantity of 9.

22. Topic: Mulch Bed Weeding Reference: PWS A.1.16 and CLIN 0015 Question: Approximately how many square feet of planting beds and tree rings are at Danville National Cemetery?

Please kindly find attached photos of all planting beds and tree rings for your situational awareness.

23. Topic: Tree Pruning

REF: SOW A.1.16

Questions: Can the government confirm that tree pruning above 15’ is not required? Approximately how many shrubs and trees need pruning annually?

The Contractor is responsible for Shrub and Tree Maintenance/Pruning/Shaping as described in SOW A.1.16.

The COR and Contractor will determine which trees and how many will need manually pruning annually.

24. Topic: Irrigation System

REF: SOW A.1.19

Question: Can the government provide the quantity of zones and irrigation heads present and the estimated turf acres covered by the system?

10 irrigation zones.

25. Topic: Mole, Gopher, and Rodent Control

REF: CLIN 0017

Question: Mole, gopher, and rodent control is a service that would be required monthly year- round, or at a minimum, April through October. However, the CLIN for this service is 1. Is the intention to perform this service once annually, or should the quantity be updated to 12 months?

6 monthly units.

26. Topic: Herbicide for Maintenance of Rock-Filled Ditch

REF: SOW A.1.18

Questions: Is the contractor required to apply an aquatic herbicide to the rock-filled ditch, or is a selective herbicide such as Triplet acceptable? How many linear feet is the total ditch, including the north and south sides? What is the average width?

Yes. The Contractor determines the selective herbicide with COR approval.

The Rock-Filled Ditch is approximately 410 feet long and 50 feet wide.

27. Topic: On-site Water

REF: PWS A.1.18

Question: The PWS states that water availability is unknown at the time of writing this contract. Is this statement still valid, or can the government confirm there is an onsite water source for filling up spray equipment?

There is full access to water and electricity currently.

28. Topic: Road, Parking Lot, and Sidewalk Cleaning

REF: CLIN 0020

Questions: The PWS states: Contractor shall maintain all Cemetery roadways, cortege lanes, sidewalks, walkways, and parking areas free of trash, debris, dirt build up, snow, and ice daily by cleaning/clearing and applying snow/ice prevention treatment (ice melt/salt) as necessary, at a minimum following/during all edging, trimming, mowing, snow, or sleet fall or as stated in the PWS. The CLIN quantity is 5 each. Understanding this quantity is suitable to cover snow and ice removal, if daily removal of trash, debris, and dirt build-up is required, should this CLIN quantity be 12 months? Otherwise, how can the contractor invoice for the work performed during the non-winter months?

CLIN is changed to Monthly unit of 12.

29. Topic: Cleaning & Maintenance of public restrooms and shop areas

REF: PWS A.1.21

Question: Is Cleaning & Maintenance of public restrooms and shop areas a weekly or daily service requirement?

Daily.

NOTE: Public restrooms are available 7 days a week and require daily cleaning before 9:00am. Office and shop space is available 5 days a week, Monday – Friday.

30. Topic: Cleaning & Maintenance of public restrooms and shop areas

REF: PWS A.1.21

Question: Approximately how many square feet are to be cleaned and maintained under CLIN 0021?

Approximately 3,000 square feet.

31. Topic: Cleaning & Maintenance of public restrooms and shop areas

REF: PWS A.1.21

Questions: Is the contractor responsible for restocking paper goods such as toilet paper and paper towels? What about soap and sanitizer? The PWS mentions an attachment that provides janitorial guidance. Can the government please provide this?

Yes, the contractor is responsible for restocking paper goods such as toilet paper, paper towels, soap, and sanitizer.

32. Topic: Janitorial Services

REF: PWS A.1.21

Questions: How many toilets are there in each restroom? How many restrooms are there?

There are 2 public restrooms. The mens room has 1 urinal and 1 toilet. The womens restroom has 1 toilet. The downstairs breakroom has 1 toilet and 1 urinal.

33. Topic: Niche Covers

REF: CLIN 0023

Question: Should the CLIN title/description be updated to include the word “Install” to comply with the PWS requirements?

CLIN 23 is changed to Niche Covers – receiving shipments, storage, initial setting within 10 calendar days, replacing within 10 calendar days and destroying replaced niche covers.

34. Topic: Electricity REF: SOW B.1(c) Question: It is understood within B.1(c) of the PWS that the Government will not provide utilities for the contractor. However, is there an electrical hookup available to the contractor so that they may obtain and pay for their own electricity?

Electricity and water are provided.

35. Topic: Parking REF: SOW B.1(e) Question: How many vehicles can fit in the area designated for parking?

Approx 6 contractor vehicles will fit in the designated parking area between the administrative building and contractor building.

36. Topic: Mowing / Double Cuts

REF: PWS A.1.4

Question: If the contractor is required to cut more than once a week, will the contractor be permitted to bill for two cuts?

Only 1 cut per week is required.

37. Topic: Past Performance Question: Please confirm that the past performance 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. 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.”) The contractor should complete Attachment H-Sub-contractor participation document.

38. Topic: Past Performance Question: 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.

The instruction says not to exceed 20 pages.

39. Topic: Page Count REF: Technical Proposal Question: Is there a page limit for the entire technical proposal or only the capability statement included within the technical proposal? Do cover pages and table of contents count towards the page count?

All required documents needs to be submitted with the quote.

40. Topic: Herbicide Application License REF: Technical Proposal Volume B Question: Technical Proposal Volume B requires a current State of Illinois commercial pesticide/herbicide application license. Could this be provided upon award?

It is the responsibility of the Contractor to obtain commercial pesticide/herbicide applicator license from the State of Illinois and provide certification to the CO.

41. Topic: Attachment H – Subcontractor Participation Document REF: Attachment H Question: Can Attachment H be recreated in Word to expand the chart on page 3?

Yes it can be expanded.

42. Topic: Turfgrass Renovation

REF: PWS A.1.14

Question: Can the government confirm the desired sod to be used for turfgrass renovation?

Generally, RTF Saver but the COR has designated approval authority.

Pictures Contractor’s building

Mulched area at the entrance

Mulched area at entrance islands

IMG_0332: Mulched area around bushes at the monument circle

IMG_0333: Mulched area around bushes at monument circle

IMG_0334: Mulched area around trees at the monument circle/committal shelter

IMG_0335: Mulched area in front of the administrative building

IMG_0336: Mulched area in front of the administrative building

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