36C78625Q50199 - Georgia National Cemetery - Solicitation - Questions-Answers - Revised 4-22-2025.pdf

36C78625Q50199--Complete Grounds Maintenance at Georgia National Cemetery

SOLICITATION QUESTIONS

1. How many turf acres are there? How many turf acres are Irrigated?

Answer: 111 acres, 105 irrigated

2. How many acres of buffer zone mowing are there?

Answer: Approximately 60

3. How many upright headstones?

Answer: Approximately 25,000

4. What is the square footage of mulch beds? Is there historical data on total yards of mulch installed. If so, how much?

Answer: Unsure of SQF, Approximately 400 CY Mulch

5. What is the square footage of beds that have pine needles? Is there historical data on total bales installed. If so, how much?

Answer: Unsure of SQF, Approximately 5,500 Bales

6. How many headstones were installed last year?

Answer: 2,502

7. Please provide an overall site map for all areas included in the scope of the project.

Answer: Access Map with link provided below:

https://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&where1=1080+Scott+Hudgens+Dr%2C+Canton%2C+GA+3011 4&cp=34.234399%7E-84.581742&lvl=16.5&sty=r&encType=1&style=h

8. Will this project be a single award?

Answer: Yes, Base plus 4 Option Years

9. Can contractors submit for single or multiple sections, but not all sections and still be awarded those sections?

Answer: No

10. Please confirm that all top dressing due to rutting will be included in the scope of services provided, and not a billable service.

Answer: Top dressing is part Grounds Maintenance

11. Please confirm that all sod repairs will be included in the scope of services provided, and not a billable service.

Answer: If the turf is damaged: The Contractor shall, at their own expense, replace any sod which has died, been damaged during the establishment period, been damaged as result of contractor error or negligence during grounds and/or turf maintenance operations to include mowing, trimming, etc., or improperly applied chemical sprays/applications/treatments.

https://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&where1=1080+Scott+Hudgens+Dr%2C+Canton%2C+GA+30114&cp=34.234399%7E-84.581742&lvl=16.5&sty=r&encType=1&style=h https://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&where1=1080+Scott+Hudgens+Dr%2C+Canton%2C+GA+30114&cp=34.234399%7E-84.581742&lvl=16.5&sty=r&encType=1&style=h

Work shall consist of large, sodded areas outside the scope of casket and in-ground cremation sites.

Areas will be defined by COR as needed. B.4.2.3 SOD Repairs and installation is a CLIN 0047.

12. If some sod repairs are additional billing circumstances, please describe those circumstances.

Answer: Work shall consist of large, sodded areas outside the scope of casket and in-ground cremation sites. Areas will be defined by COR as needed. B.4.2.3 SOD Repairs and installation is a

CLIN 0047.

13. Please confirm that edging is once per week at a minimum. Industry standard is every other week alternating between bed lines and hard lines.

Answer: All edging of walkways, curbs, and other horizontal surfaces will be done a minimum of once per week during the growing season (Typically Mid-February through November) or as directed by the COR.

14. Please confirm that all exterior trash receptacles are to be emptied by the contractor.

Answer: Work consists of the daily collection and removal of all trash (i.e., paper, cans, bottles, cigarette butts, etc.), debris, dead or unsightly flowers, tree limbs, etc. from the cemetery grounds to include the exterior trash receptacles and the immediate area outside the cemetery walls and/or fences bordering the cemetery grounds.

15. Is the trash can liners to be supplied by the contractor?

Answer: Yes

16. Under section B.4.1.5 please define expectations on "daily." Is this to mean 365 days per year, or daily as the crew is on site?

Answer: All work shall be performed during normal workdays from 8:00am – 4:30pm local time (Monday thru Friday - excluding Federal Holidays). Work performed outside of normal work hours shall be at the discretion and approval of the Cemetery Leadership in conjunction with the VA Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

17. Does this same standard apply to all frequencies described as daily?

Answer: Yes

18. In the experience of the customer, what size dumpster is typically sufficient for operations?

Answer: I recommend (1) 15 cu yd covered construction roll-off for debris (flowers, headstones, normal trash). Cover to keep wildlife out.

19. Under section B4.2.1 Sunken Grave Repair and Turf Repair, please confirm that this work is to be included in the scope of work (monthly invoice) and not an additional invoice after proposal.

Answer: The CLIN’s, SOW, and Descriptions matches the Price Schedule. Monthly Invoice

20. Please confirm that the contractor will be providing topsoil or sod for these repairs, and this must be included in the scope of the monthly invoice.

Answer: The CLIN’s, SOW, Descriptions matches the IGCE.

21. Approximately how many grave sites per year need to be repaired for sinking?

Answer: Approximately 20

22. Same question as above for section B.4.2.2 regarding the labor, materials, and supervision for sunken cremation and small area grounds repairs.

Answer: Approximately 20-30

23. Approximately how many pallets of sod are installed at the cemetery every year?

Answer: Approximately 20

24. Please confirm that mulch is to be installed quarterly.

Answer: Yes

25. Please confirm that prior to every mulching, all the existing mulch is to be removed.

Answer: Yes

26. Please confirm if this mulching process is to be annualized across invoicing or should be a separate proposal and invoice.

Answer: Invoiced as completed

27. Under section B4.3.1 Maintenance of All Plant Beds, Shrubs, and Bushes and section that all dead or dying plant material will be replaced at the expense of the contractor.

Answer: All supplies and materials shall be supplied by the Contractor. Dead or dying plant material shall be reported to the COR upon discovery. All planted material (plants, shrubs, hedges, or bushes) damaged beyond repair or destroyed by the Contractor will be replaced at the expense of the Contractor.

28. Does this include acts of God or when not due to contractor negligence?

Answer: Dead or dying plant material shall be reported to the COR upon discovery. If it’s not your fault, will not be blamed.

29. Please confirm that all pruning for trees has a height limit of 15' included in the scope of work.

Answer: Yes. It’s 15’

30. Please confirm that under section B.4.3.2 Tree Maintenance that all pruning above 15' will be the responsibility of the cemetery.

Answer: Above 15’ is the cemetery’s responsibility.

31. Please confirm under the guarantee that only death or decline of the plant material due to contractor negligence is included, and acts of God are not included under this guarantee.

Answer: The Contractor shall, at their own expense, replace any trees or shrubs which have died, been damaged as result of contractor error or negligence during grounds and/or maintenance operations to include mowing, trimming, etc., or improperly applied chemical sprays/applications/treatments.

32. Under section B4.4.1 please confirm which high traffic areas are to receive core aeration twice a year.

Answer: When conditions are favorable (i.e., grass not stressed and is actively growing, soil not too wet or dry), typically in late spring to early summer, all accessible turf shall be core aerified, this will include areas around interment shelters and columbaria. Areas included are irrigation aisles in sections that’s between the headstones.

33. How often has the cemetery applied lime and gypsum? Once annually? Bi-annually?

Answer: It’s based off the soil tests that you take twice a year.

34. Please confirm how many blanket applications are to be made for fire ant control - the scope states once, the flow chart says twice annually.

Answer: The agronomist will make the call if a second application is required.

35. Under section B.4.7, please confirm that all storm damage to landscape and trees under 18" DBH is to be handled by the contractor in the scope of the agreement and is not a billable service.

Answer: B.4.7, Extreme Weather Storm Damage and Debris Clean-up is a CLIN.

36. Is there a limit to the amount of trees down that must be handled by the scope of the agreement that fall under 18"?

Answer: This CLIN is activated by the COR after a major weather event. There is no maximum / minimum. As it is unknown.

37. Is the stated snow removal billable, or to be included under the scope of the agreement?

Answer: It’s a CLIN

38. Regarding pressure washing and cleaning -Are there any chemicals that are not allowed on property? We often use sodium hypochlorite and various commercial chemicals to remove Georgia red clay/organic debris as a part of our pressure washing process. The suggested chemicals for headstones and various decorative stone are correct and acceptable.

Answer: Those are the only chemicals allowed.

39. What is the current active headstone count? Confirming 1,900+/- additional headstones per year? Can we assume about 1900 additional for each year, 2-5?

Answer: Estimated 2500

40. Is there any asphalt that you would like rinsed as a part of the overall pressure washing scope.

Answer: B.4.10.2 Curbs, Parking Lots, Parking Blocks

41. How is the water pressure on the outlets mentioned throughout the property? Are all the water outlets fitted with standard hose bibs?

Answer: Pressure is acceptable, yes.

42. For the semiannual pressure washing scope items, is April 1st the earliest we can start those or is any time before 5/15 and/or Memorial Day acceptable? Same question for the Pre-Veterans Day cleanings. Are there specific windows for the quarterly cleanings that we need to be aware of?

Answer: It varies on the areas. Example: All areas shall be power washed two (2) times a year;

once between April 15th and May 15th, and again between November 1st through December 1st, or as directed by the COR and/or Cemetery Leadership.

43. On pressure washing days, will we have specific work hour windows that we have to operate in or can we always continuously work from 8-4 barring any active funerals and processions?

Answer: Pressure/power washing shall be completed so as not to interfere with cemetery operations or scheduled services.

44. The total square footage for CLIN 0006 is 20,000 SQFT. What is the minimum order for this

CLIN?

Answer: CLIN 0006 is TRASH, LEAF AND DEBRIS COLLECTION AND REMOVAL (Daily/Invoiced Monthly).

45. B.4.1.1 Mowing Turf Areas. Is there a rear discharge mower requirement at this Cemetery? Is there an estimated acreage of turf areas? If not, can it be reasonably assumed the 45 acres to be aerated is Turf and the remaining of the improved acres is buffer? What is the steeped slope in these areas as slope mowers that advertise ratings can be very costly?

Answer: No, please see statement of work. There are approximately 21.6 Acres of burial area with 10.3 acres of burial area being utilized. This 10.3 acres has headstones in it. The casketed sections make up 15.67 acres of developed burial area with 7.77 being utilized for burial, and the in-ground cremation sections have 5.71 acres of developed area with 2.41 being utilized for burial at this time. Section 17 is the steepest slope of the cemetery.

46. B.4.1.2 Mowing of Buffer Areas. Is there a rear discharge mower requirement at this Cemetery?

Is there an estimated acreage of buffer areas? If not, can it be reasonably assumed the 45 acres to be aerated is Turf and the remaining of the improved acres is buffer? What is the steepest slope in these areas?

Answer: See Question 45

47. B.4.1.3 EDGING OF WALKWAYS, CURBS AND OTHER HORIZONTAL SURFACES. Does the government have a linear dimension of walkways, curbs, and other surfaces to be edged?

Answer: Approximately 12,000 LF

48. B.4.1.6 TRASH, LEAF AND DEBRIS COLLECTION AND REMOVAL (Daily/Invoiced Monthly) In the event of severe weather causing heavy accumulation of debris, will prior authorization from the COR be required to conduct collection/removal more frequently than weekly? 1. Para B.4.1.6, Page 19 identifies that “All fallen leaves must be collected and removed from the site daily…” and page 20 states, “Leaf collection/clearing must be performed a minimum of once per week in accordance with NCA Standards and Measures.” What is the expectation?

Answer: Once a week, all leaves picked up and removed and in the event of severe storm they will be removed under CLIN 0028 - Extreme Weather Storm Damage and Debris Clean-up

49. B.4.1.8 Sweeping/Blowing Off Roadways and Concrete Surfaces. Para B.4.1.8. Power washing.

Please confirm this paragraph explaining monthly power washing of PIC/Admin and Committal buildings and quarterly of maintenance bldg. is correct.? If so, does this include the impervious structures around them (sidewalks, curbs, and paved areas)? Does this include downed tree limbs, sections of trees and entire trees? Is this only if they have fallen or are still standing but damaged? What is the difference between Para B.4.7 which does include fallen trees under 18” in diameter? Please provide an inventory of trees below 18”. Who is responsible for leaning trees?

Answer: Please read GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

50. B.4.1.9 UNDERGROUND SPRINKLER SYSTEM OPERATION, INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE-

Monthly system check-Includes Controller and Sprinkler adjustments as needed. To be clear, this section explains the contractor accepting the irrigation system AS-IS, which means the contractor will take control even if it is currently inoperable or inadequate. For pricing, are we to assume that all repairs identified during the initial inspection be covered under CLIN 0010 for labor and the government will purchase the supplies and parts? Can the government supply the make, model (or material type), and quantity of all parts and pieces of the irrigation systems (booster, line size and length, heads, valves, controllers, etc.)? Is the contractor responsible for subsurface repairs of the booster water line? Are there as built drawings of the irrigation system in its entirety you can provide, to include supply lines and booster pumps?

Answer: Not at this time. As builts will be provided at the end of the installation contract.

51. B.4.1.9 Irrigation- Straight Time Hourly Rate - All labor for repairs will be charged at the hourly rate indicated in the schedule and broken down into quarterly hour (15 min) increments as appropriate. Labor Rates for Irrigation repairs to be provided on an "As-Needed / As- Requested" basis - All Parts and Supplies Provided by Government.

Answer: NO

52. B.4.1.10 Mowing areas with a push Lawn Mower. Is there an acreage assigned to areas requiring push mowing?

Answer: Mowing of turf in the in-ground cremation sections will be accomplished utilizing a hand pushed, Reel Mower.

53. B.4.2.4 "Mulching HARDWOOD BLEND all - Removal, Replenish and/or Install All Areas Cemetery defined". Can the government provide the estimated surface area of hardwood mulch areas and (or) volume required of previous applications?

Answer: Approximately 400 CY of Mulch

54. B.4.2.4 Mulching - Long Needle Pine straw - Removal, Replenish and/or Install All Areas. Can the government provide the estimated surface area of long needle pine mulch areas and (or) volume required of previous applications?

Answer: Approximately 5,500 Bales Long Needle Pine Straw.

55. B.4.3.1 Maintenance of All Plant Beds, Shrubs, and Bushes. Will herbicide, pesticide, fertilizer, and fungicide for shrubs and bushes apply to this CLIN?

Answer: Yes

56. B.4.3.2 Tree Maintenance- (All tree trimming, canopy raise, new tree establishment, guying). Is the contractor responsible for the removal of trees either standing, partially standing, leaning into other trees or downed? Trees above around 8” in diameter tend to be serviced by professional tree services. The requirement to lower branches that are 3.5 inches or larger via ropes indicates a professional tree service is required. Anything above the reach and size commensurate with an employee with a pole saw (about 15’ height) is better left to a professional tree service for safety reasons. Could the government provide some more guidance on the break between what the contractor should perform with a standard crew and what the government will take on with a professional tree service? Also, are there any expectations to price herbicide, pesticide, and fungicide treatments of trees and shrubs as part of monthly maintenance?

Answer: Please reference the SOW

57. B.4.4.1: states, “Gravesite sodding shall be completed within thirty (30) days of interment.”

And page 40 states, “sections shall be sodded within fifteen (15) days”. Please elaborate on the differences.

Answer: Sodding should be done every 15 days, twice a month (30 days).

58. B.4.5.2 Fire Ant Control Blanket Application. Page 66, Fire Ant Control has 2 x annually, but the pricing spreadsheet has a QTY of 1. Which is required? The title of this section on page 52, section B.4.5.2, mentions daily, the price has an estimated 50 spot treatments. Is there an estimated 50 days per year required to control fire ants with spot treatments in addition to the blanket treatment once (or twice) per year?

Answer: Depending on the size and location, Fire Ant Control Blanket depending on the Agronomist, Once or twice a year and guaranteed by the contractor to last 365 days.

59. B.4.7 Extreme Weather Storm Damage and Debris Clean-up. Pg 58 Extreme Weather Storm Damage and Debris Cleanup. Please clarify the expectation is to removal trees less than 18 inches in diameter using this CLIN if they fall or are severely damaged by a storm. Also, there is only a quantity of 1 in the price sheet. Can the government clarify how many times per year over the past 5 years this CLIN has needed to be utilized, and the estimated level of effort when needed?

Answer: Funding and quantity can be added if needed.

60. B.4.8.4 HEADSTONE FINE TUNE ALIGNMENT (Bump & Run). Is 1,000 stones the expected annual amount and will these be awarded by entire section?

Answer: Approximately 1000

61. B.4.11.4 Janitorial Services (Administration Building, Maintenance and Public Information Center). States, “…or maintenance required to keep restrooms, admin building, public information building in operating manner” What is the boundary of this statement? Is the contractor to fix toilets, faucets, etc or just plunge them if they clog? Can the government provide make and model of toilet, soap, and paper towel dispensers?

Answer: the only requirement is to keep them clean, maintenance will be provided by the government. Make and model of toilet, soap, and paper towel dispensers information can be provided at time of contract award.

62. B.4.2.1 Sunken Grave Repair and Turf Repair (Casket Sites). Grave Renovations. Are the numbers on the cost sheet for 100 each typically what the cemetery requires annually?

Answer: Yes

63. B.4.2.2 SUNKEN CREMATION AND SMALL AREA SITE GROUNDS REPAIRS. Grave Renovations.

Are the numbers in the cost sheet for 50 each typically what the cemetery requires annually?

Answer: Yes

64. B.4.2.3 SOD REPAIRS AND INSTALLATION. Sod Repair. Are the numbers in the cost sheet for 15000 ft2 typically what the cemetery requires annually?

Answer: Approximately 20 pallets

65. B.4.8.1-3 HEADSTONE RECEIVING and setting (ALL) By breaking out CLINs into Construction, is it the government’s purpose to have these services provided at wage rates, per the DBA-WD - GA20250304 - Dated- 02-07-2025 to be less than the Laborer, Grounds Maintenance in the SCA WD-2015-4471 Revision-31 - Dated-12-23-2024 $17.82 + 4.93 H&W?

Answer: Yes

66. B.4.8.3 HEADSTONE Raise/Realign. B 4.8.3 and 4.8.4 Raise and Realign and FTA. Will these CLIN quantities be awarded by the entire section of the cemetery or stone by stone? In our experience, section by section is the best approach to get the best final product, where stone by stone leaves it up to a lot of individual interpretation. Will 500 annually be the expected amount?

Answer: The COR or Cemetery Leadership will identify the headstone(s) which are required to be Raised & Re-aligned. Headstones must not be removed from the gravesite.

67. Global Question on maintenance facility. It was mentioned at the site walk that contractors will likely have use rights of a maintenance facility, but the location and size were unknown. If the contractor gets a designated place for equipment and supplies (to include grounds maintenance, facilities maintenance, and janitorial equipment), what is the size of the space and are there any restrictions? In the event the facility is renovated or torn down, will temporary facilities be provided by the government (restrooms and storage) for the contractor, or will temporary facilities be at the expense of the contractor? If the contractor is supplied with an unimproved area, will it be at the expense of the contractor to procure and install necessary facilities? Will electricity and water be provided in this new location?

Answer: Partial answer: Contractor must provide own restrooms, storage and at the expense of the contractor to procure and install necessary facilities. Contractor will have to pay for electricity and water.

68. Are the soaps, tissues, hand towels, toilet paper, and trash liners either:

• Provided by the cemetery/ COR

• Provided by the contractor and billed back

• Or provided by the contractor and included in the supplied pricing

Answer: Provided by the Contractor

69. What CLIN do you want the topdressing priced under?

Answer: There is no CLIN for topdressing, however, if the contractor scalped the lawn while mowing, it’s the contractor responsibility to fix the area at their cost.

70. Are there restrooms for contractor use?

Answer: Currently leases a porta john

71. Is there a storage area for contractor use? If so, what is the square footage, covered, and lockable?

Answer: Current contractor installed a building

72. What is the square footage for areas needing mulch?

Answer: approximately 400 CY

73. What is the square footage for areas needing pine straw?

Answer: Approximately 5,500 bales

74. Are there any current issues (repairs needed) with the irrigation system?

Answer: Irrigation system is new and / or being replaced this year.

75. How many controllers does the irrigation system contain?

Answer: 2

76. How many zones are there for the irrigation?

Answer: Approximately 60. Number will change upon completion of expansion project

77. Is it a 2-wire system? If so, how many decoders are on the system?

Answer: Yes

78. Who is the incumbent and what is the current contract number for the base and all options?

Answer: Native Contractors, Inc., 36C78625P50181 - Bridge GMS - Georgia NC

79. PWS B.4.1.5 - To clarify is the contractor responsible for providing the dumpster.

Answer: Yes

80. PWS B.4.1.6 – To clarify the contractor will be responsible for remove of leaves from the cemetery. There will not be any area provided for us to dump this debris. Correct?

Answer: There is an area for dumping leaves and limbs

81. PWS B.4.1.10 - During the site visit we did not see any areas that needed a 21” push mower except for newly established graves sites. What is the acreage and areas that require this type of mower?

Answer: the in-ground cremation sections have 5.71 acres of developed area with 2.41 being utilized for burial at this time.

82. PWS B.4.2.1 – Are the “quick connections” for hoses in each section or will a water tank be needed?

Answer: Yes, there are connections

83. PWS B.4.2.4 - Within the PWS the requirement for hardwood mulch is to be applied “as required”, the pricing has a quantity of 2. Which is correct, and if applied as required how is this invoiced as per the pricing schedule?

Answer: coverage is applied twice a year, if it is displaced by blowing, digging, driving over it, etc, it needs to be replaced as required.

84. PWS B.4.2.4 – What are the quantities of hardwood mulch needed for each application of the hardwood mulch and pine straw, or the total square footage for each type of mulch?

Answer: See 72 and 73

85. WS B.4.4.2 – The PWS states that areas may need to be aeriated more than once per year. The QTY in the pricing schedule is 1, with the approximate AC of 45 AC. Are we to price the aeration based on a total of 45 AC completed annually?

Answer: Provide quote based on the Price Schedule quantity,

86. Page 7 says mowers must stay 6-12” from headstones, page 8 says 2” Which spec is correct?

Significant string trimming time implications.

Answer: Page 7: Mowing equipment shall be kept 6 (six) to 12 (twelve) inches from upright headstones and other vertical structures and/or fixtures. Page 8: Riding mowers may be used if they are not operated within two (2) inches of headstones, markers, monuments, tree trunks or other vertical surfaces.

87. Please confirm that all irrigation repairs will be billed at the time of service.

Answer: No, they will be billed with monthly schedule

88. On average, how many headstones repairs due to contractor damage are incurred annually?

Answer: Don’t have an answer for question, caution is required when services is being performed.

89. Please provide a total headstone count present today

Answer: Approximately 25000

90. Please outline the growing season and off-season crew make up, personnel count, and number of days on site used from the most recent successful service delivery.

Answer: 12 during mowing season, 8-12 depending on needs for sod replacement, pruning, pressure washing, etc. during non-mowing season, 5 Days a week

91. Please provide the total quantity of trash cans to be emptied daily

Answer: Approximately 20

92. Historically, how many times monthly has the contractor dumpster needed to be emptied?

Answer: Weekly

93. Twice a day blowing of all hard surfaces? Does that include weekends?

Answer: No

94. Please provide the total irrigation zone count, controller count, and number and type of water sources

Answer: Approximately 60 zones, 2 controllers, water is provided by the County

95. Page 27 specifies monthly irrigation full system inspections and reporting, but page 28 specifies 4x annually. Which should we include?

Answer: 27 specifies a thorough, walking, inspection of all grounds irrigation components. Pate 28 refers to actuating valves with the controller 4X, there are other specifications on 28 as well.

96. Approximately how many sunken grave sites have needed to be repaired annually historically?

Answer: up to 50 but this number varies.

97. Historically, has use of glyphosate been approved for use by the agronomist?

Answer: NO

98. Where do I find the Quantity of Grounds for Mowing for push mower? and other work?

Answer: CLINs 0001 and 0011 (B.4.1.1)

99. I don’t see any quantity of Carpet, hard floor maintenance etc?

Answer: Reference B.4.11.4 Janitorial Services for the Administration Building, Maintenance Building and Public Information Center of the Scope of Work starting on page 110.

100. How many Monuments?

Answer: Approximately 130-210 per month

101. What are the number of internments?

Answer: Approximately 200-210 per month