36C78625Q50199 - Combined Synopsis - Georgia NC.pdf

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Document Type: Combined Synopsis Solicitation

Solicitation Number: 36C78625Q50199

Post Date: April 1, 2025

Original Response Date: April 28, 2025 at 2:00 PM EST

Applicable NAICS: 561730

Classification Code: S208

Set Aside Type: SDVOSB

Period of Performance: Base plus 4 option years if exercised.

Issuing Contracting Office: Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration, Contract Services 18434 Joplin Road Triangle, VA 22172

Place of Performance: Georgia National Cemetery 2025 Mount Carmel Church Lane

Canton, GA 30114

Attachments:

A. Statement of Work B. Schedule C. Past Performance Questionnaire

D. Service Contract Act WD # 2015-4471 Revised 12/23/2024.

E. Davis-Bacon Act WD # GA20250313 Dated 02/07/2025.

F. VAAR 852.219-75

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.603 as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

This solicitation is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ), solicitation number 36C78625Q50199.

This solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2025-02 (Effective 01/03/2025).

NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (NAICS) CODE:

The (NAICS) code for this procurement is 561730 The business size standard number of employees is $9.5 Million.

Requirement Title: Complete Grounds Maintenance

This notice shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to ultimately award a contract, nor does it restrict the Government to a particular acquisition approach.

The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, anticipates the award of an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract. IDIQ Contracts does not procure or specify a firm quantity of services (other than a minimum or maximum quantity). The awardee shall be issued via Task Orders (TOs) for the performance of services during the period of the contract. This IDIQ Contract is for Georgia National Cemetery, 2025 Mount Carmel Church Lane, Canton, GA 30114.

DIGNITY CLAUSE:

Respect for Headstones and Markers in National Cemeteries; Handling of Markers and Headstones Every action by Offeror personnel at a national cemetery must be performed with the special care, reverence, dignity, and respect that acknowledges the cemetery as the final resting place that commemorates the service and sacrifice that service members, Veterans and their families made for our Nation. Critically important is the awareness required of the Offeror employees of the remains buried in the grounds where the work is performed. The utmost care must be given to these remains and the headstones and flat grave markers that mark those gravesites and memorialize the service of individuals.

Offerors cannot walk, stand, lean, sit or jump on headstones or markers. Nor can they drive over them.

No tools, equipment or other items will be placed or leaned on headstones or markers.

Use care not to scratch or damage markers in any manner.

Offeror shall be responsible for replacing damaged headstones and markers and for restoring turf damaged during performance of this work.

Additionally, should any activity result in the exposure and/or damage to any remains, container for remains (e.g., casket or urn), or outer burial container, the Offeror must contact the COR, Director/Assistant Director, or Contracting Officer (CO) for guidance.

Any doubts as to proper procedures shall be brought to the attention of the COR, Director/Assistant Director, or CO for guidance or resolution.

The Offeror is required to discuss the guidance with employees and/or subcontractors and have each employee sign a statement of compliance and deliver the signed statement to the COR before work may begin.

Contracted Site Supervisor will ensure that no Offeror personnel work will cause any funeral, ceremony, procession or visitation to be delayed, altered, or otherwise impacted in such a way that the dignity, security, or safety of the event or visit is compromised.

A list of scheduled ceremonies will be provided the week prior to the event, and a list of scheduled committal services will be provided on the day of the service. The Site Supervisor shall communicate not less than daily with the COR to ask questions and ensure he/she and contracted personnel understands the off-limit areas.

ANTICIPATED PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

Base Year: June 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026 Option Year One: June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027 Option Year Two: June 1, 2027 – May 31, 2028 Option Year Three: June 1, 2028 – May 31, 2029 Option Year Four: June 1, 2029 – May 31, 2030

SITE VISIT:

Offerors are urged and expected to inspect all sites where services are to be performed and to satisfy themselves regarding all general and local conditions that may affect the cost of contract performance. In no event shall failure to inspect one or all sites constitute grounds for a claim after contract award. If you plan to conduct a site visit / inspection of Georgia National Cemetery, 2025 Mount Carmel Church

Lane, Canton, GA 30114, YOU MUST CONTACT one of the following Cemetery Staff to make arrangements:

Cemetery Director………………………………........ todd.newkirk@va.gov COR ………………………………………………… kenneth.ferguson@va.gov

Information pertaining to access to administrative building or cemetery facilities will be provided by Cemetery Staff.

Site Visit will be on April 08, 2025 from 9:00am to 10:00am and will not be rescheduled.

RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP): Proposals are due to the Contracting officer no later than 2:00pm EST on April 28, 2025. Responses to this announcement will result in a IDIQ Contract. The Government intends to make award without discussions. All information submitted in response to this announcement is voluntary and the Government will not pay for information provided nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided for the Government. Offerors are responsible for obtaining all amendments or additional information concerning this announcement at Sam.gov.

SOLICITATION QUESTIONS:

All questions regarding this solicitation are to be submitted to the Contracting Officer, via email, no later than 2:00pm, April 11, 2025. Questions pertaining to this announcement shall be sent by email to:

larry.curtis@va.gov and copy (cc) Charnell.Cunningham@va.gov. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted. Associated answers to questions submitted will be provided via a solicitation amendment.

Should an amendment not be endorsed by the interested Offeror, the proposal will be considered Non- Responsive.

INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS:

Interested Offerors MUST be registered with the System of Award Management (SAM) at http://www.sam.gov and must compete the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) at http://www.sam.gov prior to the solicitation closing date. Failure to comply will result in the offeror being considered Non-Responsive.

Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) socio-economic category concerns MUST have an active/current registration with www.verterans.certify.sba.gov. Failure to comply will result in the offeror being considered Non-Responsive.

Interested Offerors who do not have a current/active Sam account registration or who are not certified as a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business or certified as a Veterans Owned Small Business in the SBA website (veterans.certify.sba.gov) upon solicitation close date will be considered Non-responsive.

All offers are to be submitted to Administrative Contracting Officer, via email at larry.curtis@va.gov and copy (cc) Charnell.Cunningham@va.gov no later than 2:00pm EST on April 28, 2025. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OFFEROR TO SUBMIT

THEIR BEST PROPOSAL AT THE TIME PROPOSALS ARE DUE. LATE

PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

mailto:todd.newkirk@va.gov mailto:kenneth.ferguson@va.gov mailto:larry.curtis@va.gov mailto:Charnell.Cunningham@va.gov http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.verterans.certify.sba.gov/ mailto:larry.curtis@va.gov mailto:Charnell.Cunningham@va.gov

PROPOSAL CONTENTS INSTRUCTIONS: Offerors shall submit proposals in four (4) separate Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) documents. Each .pdf document will be identified as follows:

1. Company’s Information (Volume A)

2. Technical Proposal (Volume B)

a. Company’s relevant experience in performing Complete Grounds Maintenance Service

b. Information on Key Personnel that have the managerial and technical qualifications in performing Complete Grounds Maintenance Services.

c. Work Plan/Staffing Plan.

d. GANTT Chart

3. Past Performance (Volume C)

4. Pricing (Volume D)

Interested Offerors who fail to submit the four (4) separate .pdf documents may be considered Non-Responsive. In the event an Interested Offeror cannot submit one of the Volumes in .pdf format, the Offeror must notify the Contracting Officer of the impending issue via electronic correspondence. The subject header shall be titled, Submittal Issues and shall include the RFP number. Interested Offerors must ensure that they have a read and delivery receipt on their email to provide proof if necessary. Failure to notify the Contracting Officer of such issues may constitute the submittal as Non-Responsive. Note:

The Contracting Officer may or may not respond to your submittal therefore it is crucial that a copy of the email correspondence be provided. Additionally, failure to provide all Volumes within the Solicitation’s response time may also constitute an Interested Offeror as Non-Responsive.

Company Information (Volume A)

The following information shall be included in Volume A:

• Legal Business/Company Name (as listed in www.sam.gov). Should there be any other variant to the Legal Business/Company Name the Interested Offeror will be considered non-responsive.

• Complete Company Address (No P.O. Boxes). In the event a contractor submits a P.O. Box address and not a physical address the Interested Offeror will be considered non-responsive

• DUNS Number

• SAM UEI

• Company Point of Contract Name and Title

• POC Telephone Number

• POC Email Address

• Company’s Targeted Capabilities Statement. Targeted Capabilities Statement is to be tailored to this proposal. After reviewing the Statement of Work (SOW), Offerors are required to emphasize how their business fits with relevant cases and skills. See below:

o Corporate Data: State your registered company name as listed in www.sam.gov as well as the year and state of incorporation. Provide hyperlink to your website if applicable, http://www.sam.gov/ provide your business size and status regarding the required NACIS code, and state whether your firm is a Service-disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business.

o Short Summary: Provide a brief description of the company’s history, and mission statement.

o Core Competencies: Provide competencies such as capabilities and strengths, knowledge, skills, and resources within your organization that enables your organization to provide the required service.

o Past Performance Information: Regarding similar work performed, reference commercial or Local/State/ or Federal Government Agencies for whom your organization has done work. The detailed information will be submitted as part of a Contractor’s Past Performance Questionnaire but will be synopsized here.

• One (1) Signed Copy of all Solicitation Amendments. Failure to provide a signed copy of all Amendments will deem an Offeror as Non-Responsive.

• One (1) Copy of Completed FAR Clause 52.223-3 “Hazardous Material Identification and Material Safety Data” (if applicable). License(s) must be under the Prime Contractor’s name.

• One (1) copy of Completed FAR Provisions 52.212-3 “Certifications and Representations” Contractor must provide an electronic copy of the completed annual representation and certifications as indicated in www.sam.gov.

• In accordance with Public Law 116-183 and VAAR 852.219-75, a Small Business claiming Veterans First Status, Service Disable Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), or Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB), must certify in writing that their firm are performing 50 percent of the work. Therefore, Interested Offerors who claim SDVOSB or VOSB status shall provide (1) document stating their compliance. Failure to provide such certification will result in the Interested Offeror being considered Non-Responsive. Should award be made to an SDVOSB or a VOSB who is suspected of violating PL 116-183 this Agency will refer suspected violators to the Department’s Inspector General for investigation and possible fines, suspensions, or debarments.

Technical Proposal (Volume B)

The following shall be included as part of the Offeror’s technical submission, Volume B:

• Company’s relevant experience in performing Complete Grounds Maintenance Service as defined in this Solicitation.

• Managerial & Technical Qualifications of Key Personal to include Resumes.

• Work Plan/Staffing Plan to accomplish the required services to include man hours, methodology, list of equipment/vehicles to be used, licenses, permits and insurance information.

• GANTT Chart: GANTT Chart needs to demonstrate the amount of work done or production completed in certain periods of time to include personnel and equipment in relation to the amount planned for those periods.

Past Performance (Volume C)

The following shall be included as part of the Offeror’s Past Performance submission, Volume C:

• Interested Offerors will fill out the Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment D) and provide three (3) references in the last five (5) years that are similar or somewhat similar in size, complexity, and scope. Interested Offerors who do not have the required past performance will be considered Neutral. Interested Offerors whose past performance meets or somewhat meets stated requirement will be rated as either Relevant or Somewhat Relevant respectively. Offerors shall list any National Cemetery Administration (NCA) contracts currently working or previously worked first followed by non-NCA contracts. Should an Interested Offeror submit more than the required three (3) references, only the first three will be considered.

Pricing (Volume D)

The following information shall be included in Volume D

• Proposed pricing shall be submitted on the Price/Cost Schedule of Services (Attachment A).

EVALUATION PROCESS: The Government intends to award an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract resulting from this Solicitation to the responsible Offeror whose proposal provides the best benefit to the Government, price and other factors considered. Proposals will be evaluated by performing a comparative evaluation in accordance with FAR 13.106-2(b)(3) to determine which response represents the “best” as a whole. Past Performance and Technical are more important than price.

Proposals will be evaluated by performing a direct comparison of one proposal with another in a uniform manner to determine which Offeror provides the best as identified in the RFP. The Government reserves the right to consider a response that offers more than the minimum and select that response if it provides a benefit to the government. The Government has the discretion to accept other than the lowest priced offer that provides additional benefits. The Government also has the discretion to make an award based on whether the lowest priced proposal having the highest past performance rating possible represents the best benefit to the Government.

EVALUATION RESULTS POSTING:

In accordance with FAR13.106-3(c) Notification, for acquisitions that do not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold and for which automatic notification is not provided through an electronic commerce method that employs widespread electronic public notice, notification to unsuccessful supplier shall be given only if requested. Additionally, if a supplier request information on an award that was based on factors other than price alone, a brief explanation of the basis for contract award shall be provided. A brief explanation of award is not a debrief and shall not be constituted by the Government as a debrief.

Technical Approach and Understanding of the Work:

Offer shall be evaluated in accordance with the criteria contained in the Statement of Work and on how well the technical approach meets the Government requirements. Technical approach will be evaluated for the following:

• Company’s relevant experience in performing Complete Grounds Maintenance Service:

Complete Grounds Maintenance Service is defined as landscaping, turf, mowing, trimming, herbicide/pesticide application, tree removal, and pruning services. It also includes experience in irrigation system maintenance, Headstone and Marker Services such as bump and run and raise and realignment, and Interment responsibilities. See Statement of Work (SOW) to fully gauge what a Complete Grounds Maintenance Service entails. Interested Offerors are to submit a Targeted Capability Statement that emphasizes their relevant experience in accordance with the SOW. A Targeted Capability Statement presents a contractor’s experience as capable, effective, and successful in providing the required service.

1. Demonstrate Key Personnel have the managerial and technical qualifications in performing Complete Grounds Maintenance Services: Resumes provided shall demonstrate a Management Team that will be on site during the performance period and have the required experience in Complete Grounds Maintenance Services. Experience shall include workmanship in Private, Local/State, and or National Cemeteries. Key Personnel must be employed by the Prime Contractor.

2. Demonstrate Work Plan/Staffing Plan is suitable in performing this service. Work Plan must include:

a. Man hours,

b. Methodology,

c. List of equipment/vehicles to be used, include models, horsepower and age,

d. Licenses, permits and,

e. Insurance information.

The Work Plan must demonstrate how an Interested Offeror will achieve Total Cemetery Ground Maintenance Service.

The Staffing Plan must demonstrate how an Interested Offeror will provide adequate staffing in support of a Total Cemetery Ground Maintenance Service.

3. Provide a GANTT Chart that demonstrates the amount of work done or production completed in certain periods of time in relations to the amount planned for those periods.

Failure to comply will result in the offeror being considered non-responsive.

Past Performance:

Past performance shall be evaluated based on the Offer’s technical qualifications on projects within the last 5 years that are comparable in size, complexity, and scope. Past Performance information shall be obtained by the following methods.

a. The Contracting Officer’s knowledge of previous experience with the supply or service being acquired.

b. Customer past performance questionnaire replies

c. The Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) at https://www.cpars.gov;

or

d. Any other reasonable basis.

https://www.cpars.gov/

Price: Proposed price will be evaluated for Reasonableness

In accordance with FAR 13.106-3, whenever possible price reasonableness will be based on competitive quotations or offers and or on the following:

a. Market research;

b. Comparison of proposed price found reasonable on previous purchases;

c. The Contracting Officer’s personal knowledge;

d. Comparison to the Independent Government Estimate;

e. Any other reasonable basis.

1. IAW FAR 17.203(b), the basis of evaluation is inclusive of options.

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES / COSTS

Price Schedule: Contractor shall furnish all labor, supervision, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to provide Complete Grounds Maintenance Service at Georgia National Cemetery, 2025 Mount Carmel Church Lane, Canton, GA 30114. Services will be provided in accordance with all terms, conditions, specifications, requirements and schedules of the contract, including National Cemetery Administration Standard Operating Procedures and Operational Standards & Measures.

Contract period will consist of a base period from Date of Award through 1 year, with four (4) one-year renewal options if exercised. Task Orders will cross fiscal years.

Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses:

52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Products and Commercial Services (NOV 2023)

Addendum to FAR 52.212-4

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998) http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html (FAR) and https://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/index.asp (VAAR)

FAR Clauses 52.203-16 Preventing Personal Conflicts of Interest (JUN 2020) 52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance (OCT 2018) 52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance (AUG 2020) 52.216-18 Ordering (AUG 2020)

Note: (a) Any supplies and services to be furnished under this contract shall be ordered by issuance of delivery orders or task orders by the individuals or activities designated in the Schedule. Such orders may be issued from June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2030.

52.216-19 Order Limitations (OCT 1995) Note: (a) Minimum order. When the Government requires supplies or services covered by this contract in an amount of less than [$10,000], the Government is not obligated to purchase, nor is the Contractor obligated to furnish, those supplies or services under the contract. (b) Maximum order. The Contractor is not obligated to honor- (1) Any order for a single item in excess of [$1 million], (2) Any order for a combination of items in excess of [$1 million]; or (3) A series of orders from the same ordering office within 60 http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html https://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/index.asp days that together call for quantities exceeding the limitation in paragraph (b)(1) or (2) of this section.

52.216-22 Indefinite Quantity (OCT 1995) 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (NOV 1999)

The Government may require continued performance of any services within the limits and at the rates specified in the contract. These rates may be adjusted only as a result of revisions to prevailing labor rates provided by the Secretary of Labor.

The option provision may be exercised more than once, but the total extension of performance hereunder shall not exceed 6 months. The Contracting Officer may exercise the option by written notice to the Contractor within 60 days.

52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contact (MAR 2000)

(a) The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within 30 days provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 60 days before the contract expires. The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.

(b) If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.

(c) The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed five (5) years.

The following construction clauses will be utilized in accordance with FAR 22.402.

52.222-6 Construction Wage Rate Requirements (AUG 2018) 52.222-7 Withholding of Funds (MAY 2014) 52.222-8 Payrolls and Basic Records (JUL 2021) 52.222-9 Apprentices and Trainees (JUL 2005) 52.222-10 Compliance with Copeland Act Requirements (FEB 1988) 52.222-11 Subcontracts (Labor Standards) (MAY 2014) 52.222-12 Contract Termination-Debarment (MAY 2014) 52.222-13 Compliance with Construction Wage Rate Requirements and Related Regulations (MAY

2014) 52.222-14 Disputes Concerning Labor Standards (FEB 1988) 52.222-15 Certification of Eligibility (MAY 2014) 52.222-31 Construction Wage Rate Requirements–Price Adjustment (Percentage Method)

(AUG 2018)

End of Construction Labor clauses

52.228-5 Insurance-Work on a Government Installation (JAN 1997) 52.232-18 Availability of Funds (APR 1984) 52.232-19 Availability of Funds for the Next Fiscal Year (APR 1984) 52.237-3 Continuity of Services (JAN 1991)

VAAR Clauses 852.201-70 Contracting Officer’s Representative (DEC 2022) 852.203-70 Commercial Advertising (MAY 2018) 852.204-70 Personal Identity Verification of Contractor Personnel (MAY 2020) 852.211-72 Technical Industry Standards (NOV 2018) 852.219-73 VA Notice to Total Set-Aside for Certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned

Small Businesses (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION) 852.219-75 VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting – Certificate of Compliance for Services and

Construction (JAN 2023) Attached 852.242-71 Administrative Contracting Officer (OCT 2020)

(End of Addendum to 52.212-4)

52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders- Commercial Products and Commercial Services (MAY 2024)

FAR Provisions 52.201-1 Acquisition 360: Voluntary Survey (SEPT 2023) 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors-Commercial Products and Commercial Services (SEP 2023) Addendum to FAR 52.212-1

52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998) http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html (FAR) and http://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/index.asp (VAAR)

52.204-6 Unique Entity Identifier (OCT 2016) 52.204-7 System for Award Management (NOV 2024) 52.204-16 Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting (AUG 2020) 52.204-20 Predecessor of Offeror (AUG 2020) 52.209-7 Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (OCT 2018) 52.222-5 Construction Wage Rate Requirements – Secondary Site of the Work (MAY 2014) 52.233-2 Service of Protest (SEPT 2006)

VAAR Provisions 852.233-70 Protest Content/Alternative Dispute Resolution (OCT 2018) 852.233-71 Alternate Protest Procedure (OCT 2018) 852.252-70 Solicitation Provisions or Clauses Incorporated by Reference (JAN 2008)

(End of Addendum to 52.212-1)

52.212-2 Evaluation – Commercial Items (NOV 2021) 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications – Commercial Items (MAY 2024)

End of Document

See Attached Document A - Statement of Work See Attached Document B - Price Schedule See Attached Document C - Past Performance Questionnaire See Attached Document D - Wage Determination Services See Attached Document E - Wage Determination Davis Bacon Act See Attached Document F - VAAR 852.219-75 http://www.acquisition.gov/far/index.html http://www.va.gov/oal/library/vaar/index.asp