36C78625Q50154 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

CODE

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) 06-06-2025 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

36C78625Q50154

X X X X The purpose of this amendment is to provide answers to solicitation questions. Quesitons period is over.

The closing date for the solicitation is June 12, 2025, at 12:00pm EST.

Olalekan Ismail Contracting Officer

CONTINUATION PAGE

Questions regarding Solicitation 36C78625Q50154, Grounds Maintenance for Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery and Woodland Cemetery Soldier’s Lot

1. 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.”) If Quoter intends to satisfy this requirement through use of a proposed subcontractor(s), Quoter must provide this information for each proposed subcontractor and Quoter must identify what work will be performed by each proposed subcontractor and what work will be performed by Quoter.

2. 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 previously served as a prime or major subcontractor on an NCA project provide added value to the VA.

If Quoter intends to satisfy this requirement through use of a proposed subcontractor(s), Quoter must provide this information for each proposed subcontractor and Quoter must identify what work will be performed by each proposed subcontractor and what work will be performed by Quoter.

3. Topic: Volume C Question: The instructions list that there should be four volumes submitted (Volume A, Volume B, Volume C, and Volume D), however, there are no instructions for Volume C on the following pages. What should Volume C contain?

It’s a typing error, there should be 3 Volumes, disregard volume C.

Topic: Sunken Grave Reference: PWS A.1.19 Question: The PWS lists two different grave sizes (42” x 96”, 48” x 120”). Can an approximate percentage of the two sizes per provided? For example, approximately 40% of casket interments are 42” x 96”?

Answer: (42” x 96”, 48” x 120”) - FY 24 there were 969 Burials.

42” x 96” - FY 24 there were 589 Burials Total Burials in FY 24 were 2,883

4. Topic: Planting Beds and Tree Rings Reference: PWS A.1.2 and A.1.3 Question: What is the square footage of planting beds and tree rings on site at Ohio Western Reserve NC? There are what appear to be 500+ tree rings on site, and this data would help the accuracy of our proposal.

600 square feet for planting beds. Tree rings are varied in size depending on tree trunk diameter

5. Topic: Weeding Planting Beds and Tree Rings Reference: PWS A.1.3 Question: The PWS states that planting beds and tree rings shall be sprayed once per month for the duration of each year; however, the price schedule shows 14 annual services. When are the other 2 services performed at Ohio Western Reserve NC?

All services will be completed from spring through fall at the discretion of the COR.

6. Topic: String Trimming and Blade Edging Reference: PWS A.1.04.b and A.1.07 Question: Section A.1.04.b of the PWS states: “At no time can the headstones of a section be not trimmed by COB if cemetery staff have mowed that section”. Section A.1.07 also makes two references to the government performing mowing. Will the government perform mowing?

The contractor. Its just states that the mow and trim needs to be complete in that section before moving on to the next section.

7. Topic: Shrub and Tree Maintenance Reference: PWS A.1.08 Question: How many shrubs and trees are present that require pruning at Ohio Western Reserve NC?

Approximately 650

8. Topic: Leaf Removal at Ohio Western Reserve NC Reference: PWS A.1.09 Questions: PWS A.1.09 states, “All buildings, to include Public Information Center, shelters, Administration Building, and maintenance and storage buildings, shall have the gutters free and clear of debris on a daily basis. All areas around Committal shelters, shall be completed by 0900 and ready for services that day.” Can the government provide more clarity on the daily requirements for gutter cleaning? The annual quantity of Leaf Removal is 30 jobs, which doesn’t support daily or weekly checks of gutters. Additionally, can the government provide more information on what services are to be provided to the Committal shelters on a daily basis by 0900?

Gutters need to be cleaned with every leaf removal performed. Shelters need to be cleaned by 0900 because 0915 is the first time slot for committal services.

9. Topic: Core Aeration at Ohio Western Reserve NC Reference: PWS A.1.10 Question: The PWS states: “Once a year during the fall (Mid-August through Mid-September) the Contractor shall perform a broad core aeration of all turf areas. Secondly, following coordination with the COR and/or CO as appropriate, in late April through May…”. The price schedule for aeration has an annual quantity of 1; therefore, how will the second service be captured from a billing perspective?

Annual quantity of one includes broad core aeration and heavily compacted areas in PWS.

10. Topic: Overseeding at Ohio Western Reserve NC Reference: PWS A.1.11 Question: The PWS states: “Contractor shall provide seed and apply overseeding operations to all turfgrass. Overseeding shall commence immediately after dethatching operations (Sept- Oct).” Can the government provide more information on the dethatching requirements, as this is not mentioned anywhere else in the PWS? Is the contractor required to provide this service, and can a CLIN be provided for this annual dethatching service if required?

Disregard language regarding dethatching requirements.

11. Topic: Grub Insecticide at Ohio Western Reserve NC Reference: PWS A.1.15 Question: The PWS states that the contractor shall apply a preventative treatment in April, May, or June and a curative treatment. The price schedule has an annual quantity of 1.

Therefore, how will this be handled from a billing and application of service perspective?

Annual quantity of one includes preventative and curative (spot treatment, if needed) in PWS.

12. Topic: Empty Trash Cans at Ohio Western Reserve NC Reference: PWS A.1.21 Questions: How many trash cans are present at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery? We are trying to under the associated CLIN on the price schedule, which has an annual quantity of 253 each. If the PWS requires that the trash receptacles be emptied on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, how was the 253 calculated? Should that be 52 weeks or 156 jobs (52 x 3)?

Empty trash cans Monday-Friday, minus federal holidays, to include burial sections, committal shelters, and Public Information Center. Currently, there are 31 trash cans throughout the cemetery.

13. Topic: Tree and Stump Removal at Ohio Western Reserve NC Reference: PWS A.1.22 and A.1.23 Question: Can the government provide an estimated DBH for tree and stump removal? The price varies greatly for a 6” DBH tree versus a 36” DBH tree.

No. Trees of various DBH size exist on cemetery grounds.

14. Topic: Pressure Washing Reference: PWS A.1.24 Question: Can the government provide an estimated square footage of the columbarium, committal shelters, bell tower, Public Information Center building, memorial wall, & rostrum wall and scatter garden at Ohio Western Reserve NC?

Roughly 20,000 Linear Feet

15. Topic: Woodland Soldiers’ Lot Acreage Reference: PWS A.1.1 Question: How many turf acres is Woodland Soldiers’ Lot Cemetery?

Woodland Soldiers Lot Section 10 is 800 sq ft and Section 14 is 500 sq ft.

16. Topic: Headstones Reference: PWS A.1.1 Question: How many headstones are at Woodland Soldiers’ Lot?

48 total

17. Topic: Flat Markers Reference: PWS A.1.1 Question: How many flat markers are at Woodland Soldiers’ Lot?

Zero

18. Topic: Pre-Emergent Herbicide at Woodland Soldiers’ Lot Reference: PWS A.1.30 Questions: The PWS states that applications shall be in late March or early April and again approximately seven weeks later; however, the price schedule shows three applications for the associated CLIN 30. Which is correct? If there is a third application, when does it occur?

2 times a year. Extra quantity is at VA’s discretion, if needed.

19. Topic: Post-Emergent Herbicide at Woodland Soldiers’ Lot Reference: PWS A.1.31 Questions: The PWS states that applications shall be twice each year in early-mid May and in October; however, the price schedule shows three applications for the associated CLIN 31. Which is correct? If there is a third application, when does it occur?

2 times a year. Extra quantity is at VA’s discretion, if needed.

20. Topic: Grub Insecticide Reference: PWS A.1.33 (Woodland’s Soldiers Lot) Question: The PWS states the contractor shall apply a preventative treatment in April, May, or June and a curative treatment. The price schedule has an annual quantity of 1.

Therefore, how will this be handled from a billing and application of service perspective?

Annual quantity of one includes preventative and curative (spot treatment, if needed) in PWS.

21. Topic: Overseeding at Woodland Soldiers’ Lot Reference: PWS A.1.35 Question: The PWS states: “Contractor shall provide seed and apply overseeding operations to all turfgrass. Overseeding shall commence immediately after dethatching operations (Sept- Oct).” Can the government provide more information on the dethatching requirements, as this is not mentioned anywhere else in the PWS? Is the contractor required to provide this service, and can a CLIN be provided for this annual dethatching service if required?

Disregard language regarding dethatching requirements.

22. Topic: Laydown Area at Ohio Western Reserve NC Reference: PWS B.1 and B.2 Question: Can the government provide the location on the map where the contractor laydown area will be located? Additionally, can photos be provided and an approximate size in square feet or acres?

Located near the main entrance. Size of fenced in area is 135 feet x 85 feet.

23. Topic: Woodland Cemetery Map Reference: PWS Page 36 Question: Is the map provided on page 36 of the PWS the Woodland Cemetery Soldier’s Lot? This map appears to be the map of a 100+ acre cemetery. Please advise.

Map is on page 44 of PWS. Two yellow boxes in Sections 10 and 14 mark our area. Below the map are blown up diagrams of those two areas.

24. Topic: Attachment G Reference: Attachment G – Headstone Raise and Realignment Guidance Question: Should this document be removed from the solicitation as Raise and Realignment services are not a part of this RFP or shown on the price schedule?

Attachment G should be disregarded.

25. Topic: Leaf Removal Reference: SOW A.1.09 Question: The SOW states that the contractor is responsible for removing leaves from the gutters of all buildings and the areas between them. Can the government provide the height of the gutters?

Each building varies in height. The tallest being 17 feet to the gutter.

26. Topic: Mole Control

REF: CLIN 0016

Question: Mole 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?

One time annually

27. Topic: Sod Installation

REF: A.1.17

Questions: Is there an establishment and/or warranty period for sod? If turf is properly established and then later fails due to no fault of the contractor, is the contractor responsible for replacing at no cost or would that be considered a new sod installation?

From PWS..”Sod shall not be installed until it is fully rooted and with a green healthy look in appearance and shall not pull up when inspected by the COR and/or CO as appropriate. Sod that is not green and becomes stressed (brown in appearance) shall be removed and replaced with healthy sod within 96 hrs. at no additional cost to the government.” Once the sod is rooted and shows no signs of stressed or brown it is no longer the contractor’s responsibility.

28. Topic: Street Sweeping REF: CLIN 0026 and A.1.27 Questions: The price schedule lists three services for Street Sweeping, however, the PWS states twice per year – in the spring before Memorial Day and in the fall by October. Which quantity is accurate? When would the third service occur?

2 times a year. Extra quantity is at our discretion, if needed.

29. Topic: Street Sweeping REF: CLIN 0026 and A.1.27 Questions: Approximately how many square feet of roadways, walkways, and parking lots are at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery?

Approximately 30,000 linear feet

30. Topic: Cemetery Clean Up (Woodland Soldiers’ Lot Only) REF: CLIN 0038 and PWS A.1.38 Questions: The price schedule lists 52 services for cemetery clean up at Woodland Soldiers’ Lot which is assumed to be 52 weekly services. However, the description at A.1.38 of the PWS suggests that “clean sweeps” will be performed at the direction of the COR and/or CO. Approximately how many times a year will the contractor perform a clean sweep at Woodland Soldiers Lot?

“Clean sweeps” is the same meaning as “cemetery clean up.”

Topic: Planting Beds & Tree Rings REF: CLINs 0002 and 0003 Question: Approximately how many square feet of planting beds and tree rings are present at Ohio Western Reserve and require service under CLINs 0002 and 0003?

Answered in question #5.

End of Document