Contractor Questions Government Responses.pdf

Questions/Responses Solicitation 36C78626R50071

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery - Grounds Maintenance Services,

1) Question: Who is the current contractor?

Response: The current contractor is Raven Operations LLC.

2) Question: What is the current contract number and the total value of the contract?

Response: The current IDIQ contract number is 36C78621D0018 and total value of the IDIQ (base and four option periods) was $6,663,351.00.

3) Question: PWS 3.2 – What is the size of the lay down area provided?

Response: 300 feet by 70 feet.

4) Question: PWS 3.3 – Will the contractor provided need to keep inside the contractor’s lay down area?

Response: All Contractor’s equipment, supplies and materials will be kept inside the contractor’s lay down area.

5) Question: PWS 5.2.2 - The QTY in the PWS for CLIN 0001 is 300 and CLIN 0002 is 150, but the Pricing Schedule has the QTY for CLIN 0001as 500 and CLIN 0002 as

300. What are the correct qty for CLINS 0001 and 0002?

Response: The correct quantities for CLIN 0001 is 500. The correct quantities for CLIN 0002 is 300. PWS updated.

6) Question: PWS 5.2.4 – CLIN 0003 has the QTY of 450 and the Pricing schedule QTY is 500. Which QTY is correct?

Response: The correct quantity for CLIN 0003 is 500. PWS updated.

7) Questions: PWS 5.2.2 - For the setting of new flat markers will a continuous trench in between the markers need to be dug or just the socket for the new stone? Also has paver been pre-installed in the area where new flat markers are being installed or will the contractor need to provide the paver?

Response: Only a socket will need to be dug for new flat markers. The Contractor will need to provide the paver.

8) Questions: PWS 5.2.5.1 – Will the contractor need to have continuous trench dug in between the stones or can the marker socket be dug out to achieve to required realignment?

Response: The marker socket can be dug out to achieve the required realignment.

9) Question: PWS 5.4.2.40 – Is the sodding of individual grave included in the 30,000 square ft. of sod in appendix 4.? If not, what are the number of gravesites that are to be sodded?

Response: Sodding of individual graves are included in the 30,000 square feet of sod.

10) Questions: PWS 5.4.2.48 - Is the seeding of individual grave included in the 10,000 square ft. of sod in appendix 4.? If not, what are the number of gravesites that are to be seeded?

Response: Seeding of individual graves are included in the 10,000 square feet of seed.

11) Question: PWS 5.4.15 – To clarify, will the entire turf area need to be dethatched in March or just the areas where thatch of more than ½ inch as built up?

Response: Only areas where thatch build up of more than ½ inch will need to be dethatched.

12) Question: PWS 5.5.9.1 – 5.5.9.5 - This is not currently being done and I would assume it is because of the steep terrain outside the fence. Is this section applicable and are the areas going to be to contract standards at the time of the award?

Response: This section is applicable. The area will not be within contract standards at the time of award.

13) Question: PWS 5.5.10 – What is total square footage of the area covered under this section?

Response: The cemetery currently does not have wildflower areas and this section is currently not applicable.

14) Question: PWS 5.5.11 - Will this requirement be to contract standards at the time of the award? If not, will the contractor be able to make a modification to bring this section to contract standards?

Response: This area was last completed in February 2026. Contractor can expect at least one months growth upon contract award.

15) Question: What is the total square footage of organic and inorganic mulch areas?

Response: 0.5 acres

16) Question: PWS 5.6.1.23 – 5.6.1.27 - Are these certifications required as part of the proposal Submission or will they need to be submitted post award?

Response: Certifications will be required as part of the proposal.

17) Question: PWS Sections 3.3 and 4.1 appear to contradict each other regarding responsibility for providing dumpsters for general trash and demolished headstone disposal. Can the Government clarify which party – the Government or the Contractor – is responsible for providing dumpsters, and confirm whether Government-furnished dumpsters, if any, cover both general trash and demolished headstone material?

Response: The contractor is responsible for providing roll-oƯ dumpsters. PWS Section 4.1 has been updated.

18) Question: Technical Exhibit 5 lists Private Markers/Monuments as 12 Months, indicating an ongoing monitoring and inspection task, but does not provide an estimated annual quantity of private markers or monuments to be set. Can the Government provide an estimated annual quantity of private markers and monuments anticipated to require setting under this contract, broken out by type if possible, so that oƯerors can price this work accurately?

Response: Monument Summary is located on Technical Exhibit 13.

19) Question: PWS Section 5.2.1.2 references the installation of columbaria niche covers; however, the solicitation does not include a corresponding CLIN for this service. Can the Government add a dedicated CLIN for niche cover installation and provide an estimated annual quantity to allow oƯerors to price this work consistently and accurately?

Response: Niche cover installation will be completed by the Government.

31. Question: PWS Section 5.2.1.5 requires headstones to be installed within five (5) working days of delivery; however, the NCA standard is ten (10) working days. Can the Government confirm which deadline governs contract performance so that offerors can plan and price staffing and logistics accordingly?

Response: Cemetery policy requires headstone installation within five (5) working days of headstone deliver to the Contractor.

32. Question: PWS Section 5.2.2 states the estimated annual quantity for upright headstone setting is 300, while CLIN 0001 states 500. Can the Government confirm the correct estimated annual quantity to be used for pricing purposes and update the solicitation documents accordingly?

Response: CLIN 0001 quantity is 500. PWS updated.

33. Question: PWS Section 5.2.2 states the estimated annual quantity for flat marker setting is 150, while CLIN 0002 states 300. Can the Government confirm the correct estimated annual quantity to be used for pricing purposes? Additionally, can the Government confirm which party – the Government or the Contractor – is responsible for providing the grid prayer system required for flat marker installation?

Response: CLIN 0002 quantity is 300. PWS updated.

34. Question: The estimated annual quantities in Technical Exhibit 5 and CLINs 0001 and 0002 do not distinguish between new headstone settings (for newly interred decedents) and replacement headstone settings (for existing gravesites receiving a corrected or replacement marker). These two types of settings differ in their logistics, labor, and site conditions. Can the Government provide a breakdown of the estimated annual quantities for each CLIN between new sets and replacement sets? For example, of the estimated upright headstone settings, how many are anticipated to be new interment sets versus replacement settings for existing gravesites?

Response: Almost all (99.9%) headstone setting will be replacement sets with the exception of very rare circumstances when approved by the Cemetery Director.

35. Question: PWS Sections 5.2.2.2, 5.2.2.3, and 5.2.2.12 appear to contradict each other regarding responsibility for unloading headstones from delivery trucks. Can the Government clarify which party is responsible for unloading, and identify which PWS section controls in the event of a conflict?

Response: Headstones are delivered, engraved and inspected at Miramar National Cemetery. The Government will pick up and deliver headstones to the Contractor.

PWS updated.

36. Question: PWS Sections 5.2.2.18 and 5.2.2.19 identify the need to remove and dispose of headstones not only for replacement purposes but also to allow access for interments in hard-to-reach areas. Can the Government clarify: (1) under which CLIN the removal and reinstallation of headstones in this scenario will be billed; (2) whether headstone breakup and disposal is a separately billable service, and if so, under which CLIN; and (3) whether broken headstones may be deposited in the Government-furnished dumpster?

Response: (1) Headstone removal, break-up and disposal fall under CLIN 0001 and CLIN 0002. (2) Headstone removal, break-up and disposal will not be a separate billable service and are part of CLIN 0001 and CLIN 0002. (3) Headstone disposal will be deposited in the Contractor’s dumpster.

37. Question: PWS Section 5.2.4 states the estimated annual quantity for upright headstone raise and realign is 450, while CLIN 0005 states 500. Can the Government confirm the correct estimated annual quantity to be used for pricing purposes and update the solicitation documents accordingly?

Response: The correct quantity for CLIN 0003 is 500. The correct quantity for CLIN 0005 is 200.

38. Question: PWS Section 5.2.7.10 describes minor headstone cleaning as a distinct task involving dry and wet brushing, separate from the full pressure-wash cleaning described in Section 5.2.7.9. Can the Government confirm whether minor headstone cleaning should be priced under CLIN 0006 (Headstone Cleaning and

Maintenance), or whether it warrants a separate CLIN with a dedicated estimated annual quantity?

Response: Minor headstone cleaning (PWS 5.2.7.10) falls under CLIN 0006 and is not a separate CLIN.

39. Question: PWS Section 5.4.2.58 describes interseeding by slit seeding as a materially diƯerent operation from the regular seeding described in PWS Sections

5.4.2.34 and 5.4.2.48. Can the Government confirm whether interseeding by slit seeding is included within the 10,000 SF seeding estimate in Technical Exhibit 4? If so, can the Government provide the percentage breakdown between regular seeding and slit seeding? If slit seeding is not covered by that estimate, can the Government provide a separate estimated annual square footage for this operation so that oƯerors can price it consistently and accurately?

Response: Interseeding by slit seeding is included in the 10,000 SF seeding estimate. Breakdown is as follows: 90% seeding; 10% slit seeding

40. PWS Sections 5.4.3.8 through 5.4.3.11 require lime, elemental sulfur, gypsum, and humates to be applied when soil tests indicate a need; however, Technical Exhibit 4 does not include these as estimated workload items, creating a pricing gap and placing unquantifiable cost risk on oƯerors.

Additionally, Technical Exhibit 6 schedules gypsum as a recurring broadcast application, which conflicts with the conditional language in PWS Section 5.4.3.10.

Can the Government: (1) confirm whether each of these soil amendments will be required under this contract; (2) provide estimated annual quantities (square footage or acreage) and application rates for each amendment; (3) identify the CLIN under which each service should be priced, or add a dedicated CLIN for each; and

(4) reconcile the conflict between the conditional PWS language and the scheduled gypsum applications in Technical Exhibit 6?

Response: (1) Soil amendments will only be required in accordance with the soil test report; (2) Square footage/acreage will be determined by the soil test report (3) These services should be priced under CLIN 0008; (4) Gypsum application is required in accordance with the soil test report. When gypsum is required, it will be applied in accordance with Technical Exhibit 6. This will only be a requirement until the Ecofert system is installed with the new irrigation pump system later this fiscal year.

41. Question: Regarding mowing operations, can the Government address the following: (1) May mulching deck mowers be used, provided no visible clippings remain on the turf surface or headstones following the mowing event? (2) How many times per year is the cross-cut pattern (perpendicular to headstone rows) required to be performed? (3) Historically, how many weeks per year has mowing been required twice in a single week due to active growth conditions?

Response: (1) Yes. Mulching deck mowers may be used, providing no visible clippings remain on the turf surface or headstones following the mowing event. (2) A cross-cut pattern is required bi-weekly. (3) Normally, mowing twice in a single week happens between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

42. Question: Can the Government confirm whether aerification and topdressing are required for the entire 65.5 acres of cemetery turf annually, or only for designated areas as identified through soil tests and COR direction? Topdressing in particular is a high-cost operation, and oƯerors require a confirmed annual scope – including total acreage or square footage by treatment type – to price these services consistently and accurately.

Response: Aerification is required for the entire cemetery. Topdressing is required for the entire 65.5 acres of cemetery turf.

43. Question: PWS Section 5.5.1.16 requires the Contractor to supply and install replacement plants as approved by the COR and per plans provided by the Pacific District Agronomist, and PWS Section 5.5.1.17 states that the COR will provide estimated annual quantities and sizes of plants to be supplied and installed. As both sections indicate plant material is Contractor-furnished, these costs must be included in the bid. Can the Government clarify whether replacement planting applies to all plants requiring replacement, or only those damaged by Contractor operations? Additionally, can the Government provide the estimated annual quantities and container sizes (e.g., 1-gallon, 5-gallon, 15-gallon) of replacement plants under Section 5.5.1.16, and of new plants under Section 5.5.1.17, broken out by plant type (trees, shrubs, groundcover)?

Response: Replacement planting shall be required only for those plants/trees damaged by the Contractor.

44. Question: PWS Section 5.6.3.5 requires the Contractor to apply soil wetting agents (soil surfactants) to hydrophobic turf soils, and the Deliverables Schedule requires a wetting agent application data sheet as a submittal. However, the solicitation does not identify a specific CLIN under which this work should be priced. It could reasonably fall under CLIN 0008 (Turf and Grasses Maintenance), CLIN 0011 (Irrigation System Services), or as a standalone line item. Can the Government confirm the appropriate CLIN for wetting agent application labor and materials, and provide the estimated annual frequency and total acreage or square footage anticipated to require treatment?

Response: PWS 5.6.3.5 falls under CLIN 0011. This is a new requirement and annual frequency is unknown. Application is expected to be a minimum of 30 days and maximum of 60 days between applications between Memorial Day through Labor Day. Total acreage is approximately 65.5 acres. Application will be applied by manufacturer recommendation.

45. Question: PWS Section 5.6.3 (Irrigation System Minor Repair) describes a broad range of distinct repair and replacement services required under CLIN 0011, including but not limited to: turf rotor head replacement; spray/multi-stream rotary head repair and replacement; drip irrigation line repair; drip filter repair; electric valve repair and replacement; quick coupling valve replacement; decoder replacement; control wire fault location and repair; lateral line repair; mainline repair; valve box and cover replacement; broken valve box cover replacement; and emergency irrigation parts and repair. However, Technical Exhibit 4 consolidates these services into only four broad line items — Turf Rotor Sprinkler Heads (200 EA), Spray/Multi-Stream Rotary Heads/Bubblers (100 EA), Drip Irrigation Emitters (1 Job), and Minor Irrigation Control System (1 Job) — which does not provide suƯicient granularity for oƯerors to develop accurate, consistent pricing across all of the individual repair services described in the PWS. Can the Government provide estimated annual quantities for each distinct irrigation repair and replacement service type required under CLIN 0011, broken out individually by service type, so that all oƯerors can price this work on a consistent and comparable basis?

Response: Turf rotor head replacement: 100 each; Spray/multi-stream rotary had/bubblers: 50 each; Drip irrigation emitters: 1 job; Electric valve repair: 40 each;

Electric valve replacement: 5 each; Quick coupling repair/replacement: 2 each;

Decoder repair/replacement: 5 each; Control wire fault repair/replacement: 1 each;

lateral line repair/replacement: 40 each; mainline repair/replacement: 15 each;

valve box and cover replacement: 5 each; broken valve box cover replacement: 2 each; emergency irrigation parts and repair: 1 job. PWS updated.

46. Question: PWS Section 5.8.1.7 is unclear as to whether the Contractor is required to provide and maintain a dumpster for general trash disposal. Can the Government clarify whether the Contractor is responsible for furnishing a dumpster, and if so, confirm the required container size and minimum pickup frequency?

Response: The Contractor is responsible for furnishing a roll-oƯ dumpster in accordance with PWS Section 3.3 and PWS Section 4.1.

47. Question: PWS Section 5.8.1.2 requires trash, debris, and plant litter collection and removal at least weekly, and PWS Section 5.8.1.3 requires emptying of cemetery trash receptacles and regular floral pickup at gravesites and columbaria each workday. To price these recurring daily and weekly services consistently, oƯerors need to know the total number of contract performance days per year. Can the Government confirm the number of workdays per year the Contractor is expected to be on-site, and clarify whether federal holidays are included in or excluded from daily service requirements?

Response: The Government considers a workday from Monday through Friday.

Federal holidays are excluded from daily service requirements.

48. Question: PWS Section 5.11.3 requires columbaria and memorial wall structures to be pressure washed twice per year (before Memorial Day and Veterans Day), while Technical Exhibit 4 reflects this service as occurring once per year. Can the Government confirm the correct annual frequency and update the solicitation documents accordingly so that all oƯerors can price this service consistently?

Response: Columbaria and Memorial Wall structures shall be pressure washed two (2) times per year. PWS updated.

49. Question: PWS Section 5.11.4 requires the main entry sign, walls, and gates to be low-pressure washed four times per year, while Technical Exhibit 4 reflects this service as occurring once per year. Can the Government confirm the correct annual frequency and update the solicitation documents accordingly so that all oƯerors can price this service consistently?

Response: The main entry sign, walls and gates shall be low-pressure washed four

(4) times per year. PWS updated.

50. Question: PWS Section 5.11.5 requires walls, fences, railings, and guardrails to be low-pressure washed four times per year, while Technical Exhibit 4 reflects this service as occurring once per year. Can the Government confirm the correct annual frequency and update the solicitation documents accordingly so that all oƯerors can price this service consistently?

Response: Walls, fences, railing and guardrails shall be low-pressure washed four

(4) times per year. PWS updated.

51. Question: PWS Section 5.11.6 requires gate hinges and automation to be maintained twice per year (once per semester), while Technical Exhibit 4 reflects this service as occurring once per year. Can the Government confirm the correct annual frequency and update the solicitation documents accordingly so that all oƯerors can price this service consistently?

Response: Gate hinges and automation shall be maintained two (2) times per year.

52. Question: PWS Section 5.11.7 requires the assembly area and rostrum structure to be cleaned four times per year, while Technical Exhibit 4 reflects this service as occurring once per year. Can the Government confirm the correct annual frequency and update the solicitation documents accordingly so that all oƯerors can price this service consistently?

Response: The assembly area and Rostrum shall be cleaned four (4) times per year.

53. Question: PWS Section 5.11.8 requires site signage to be cleaned weekly (approximately 52 times per year), while Technical Exhibit 4 reflects this service as occurring once per year. Can the Government confirm the correct annual frequency and update the solicitation documents accordingly so that all oƯerors can price this service consistently?

Response: Site signage shall be cleaned with a cloth to remove debris weekly.

Power-wash signage a minimum of one (1) time per year. PWS updated.

54. Question: PWS Section 5.11.12 requires building gutters to be cleaned 12 times per year, while Technical Exhibit 4 reflects this service as occurring once per year. Can the Government confirm the correct annual frequency and update the solicitation documents accordingly so that all oƯerors can price this service consistently?

Response: Building gutters shall be inspected and cleaned twelve (12) times per year. PWS updated.

55. Question: Pest control appears to be absent from the categories of services listed in the PWS table on page 23, despite being addressed in detail elsewhere in the PWS. Can the Government confirm whether this omission was intentional or an oversight, and if the latter provide an amended PWS that includes pest control as a listed service category?

Response: Pest control is CLIN 0009 and falls under Category 3: Turf and Grasses Maintenance.

56. Question: Technical Exhibit 6 and PWS Section 5.4.14 reference topdressing requirements but do not specify the total acreage or square footage anticipated to require treatment. Application scope appears contingent on soil test results and COR determination. Can the Government provide the estimated total square footage of cemetery turf anticipated to require topdressing annually, broken out by burial section if possible, or confirm whether oƯerors should assume topdressing will be applied across all established turf areas for pricing purposes?

Response: Total acreage for topdressing is 65.5 acres and will be applied across all established turf areas.

57. Questions: PWS Section 5.4.3.10 states gypsum shall be applied only when soil tests indicate a need, while Technical Exhibit 6 schedules gypsum as a recurring broadcast application (Applications #10c and #13d). Can the Government clarify whether gypsum is intended to be applied to all weekly-mowed cemetery turf areas as shown in Technical Exhibit 6, or only to those burial sections where soil tests confirm a need? If the latter, can the Government provide the estimated square footage or acreage anticipated to require gypsum annually, to allow for consistent and accurate pricing among all oƯerors?

Response: Gypsum application is required in accordance with the soil test report.

When gypsum is required, it will be applied in accordance with Technical Exhibit 6.

This will only be a requirement until the Ecofert system is installed with the new irrigation pump system later this fiscal year.

58. Questions: The PWS references Wildflower Area Maintenance (Section 5.5.10), Perimeter Landscape BuƯer Area Maintenance (Section 5.5.11), and separate planting bed maintenance requirements. Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery also contains succulent gardens and other specialty planting areas visible within the cemetery grounds. To price these scopes accurately and avoid double-counting labor and materials, can the Government provide a site map or description identifying: (1) the precise location and acreage of any designated wildflower areas;

(2) the location and acreage of succulent gardens or other specialty planted areas;

and (3) clarification of whether these areas are included within, excluded from, or separately accounted for in the planting bed maintenance scope under CLIN 0010?

This information is necessary to ensure oƯerors do not inadvertently price the same area under multiple CLINs.

Response: (1) The cemetery does not have Wildflower area. (2) Total area of succulent gardens is approximately 8,500 square feet. (3) Pricing for these areas should be included under CLIN 0010

59. Questions: The PWS references both a Wildflower Area (Section 5.5.10) and a Non-

Irrigated Landscape BuƯer Area (Section 5.5.11) as distinct maintenance tasks. Can the Government confirm whether the wildflower area referenced in Section 5.5.10 is the same area as the non-irrigated landscape buƯer referenced in Section 5.5.11, or whether these are separate areas requiring separate maintenance scopes? If they are separate areas, can the Government provide the acreage of each to allow for accurate pricing?

Response: The Non-Irrigated Landscape BuƯer Area is a separate area than the Wildflower Area.

60. Questions: PWS Section 5.4.3.5 requires a minimum of four fertilizer applications per year for cool season grasses (March/April, May, September, and November), and PWS Section 5.4.3.6 requires five applications per year for warm season grasses (January, March, May, August, and September). However, the Turf Application Schedule in Technical Exhibit 6 reflects only four fertilizer applications annually and does not include the January, August, or November applications required by the PWS. Can the Government clarify whether Technical Exhibit 6 represents the complete and governing schedule for pricing purposes, or whether oƯerors must price additional applications consistent with the PWS requirements?

If additional applications are required, can the Government provide the total annual application count by grass type and update Technical Exhibit 6 accordingly to ensure consistent pricing among all oƯerors?

Response: The cemetery currently only has cool season grasses. This will only be a requirement until the Ecofert system is installed with the new irrigation pump system later this fiscal year.

61. Questions: PWS Section 5.4.3.8 states that lime shall be applied when pH below

6.5 in soil tests indicates a need, at the rate and frequency indicated in those tests.

As lime application is contingent on soil test results, oƯerors cannot determine the anticipated scope or quantity without additional information. Can the Government provide the estimated total square footage or acreage expected to require lime application annually, along with the anticipated application rate in pounds per 1,000 square feet, to allow for consistent and accurate pricing among all oƯerors?

Response: 65.5 acres maximum. This will only be a requirement until the Ecofert system is installed with the new irrigation pump system later this fiscal year.

62. Question: PWS Section 5.4.3.9 states that elemental sulfur shall be applied when pH above 7.0 in soil tests indicates a need, limited to 5 pounds per 1,000 square feet every 5 to 6 weeks during the active growing season. As this application is contingent on soil test results, oƯerors cannot determine the anticipated frequency or acreage without additional information. Can the Government provide the estimated total square footage or acreage expected to require elemental sulfur treatment annually, along with the anticipated number of applications per season, to allow for consistent and accurate pricing among all oƯerors?

63. Question: PWS Section 5.4.3.9 states that elemental sulfur shall be applied when pH above 7.0 in soil tests indicates a need, limited to 5 pounds per 1,000 square feet every 5 to 6 weeks during the active growing season. As this application is contingent on soil test results, oƯerors cannot determine the anticipated frequency or acreage without additional information. Can the Government provide the estimated total square footage or acreage expected to require elemental sulfur treatment annually, along with the anticipated number of applications per season, to allow for consistent and accurate pricing among all oƯerors?

64. PWS Section 5.4.3.11 states that humates shall be applied where soil tests indicate soil organic matter less than 6%, at a rate of 750 pounds per acre, applied immediately after soil aerification. As this application is contingent on soil test results, oƯerors cannot determine the anticipated scope without additional information. Can the Government provide the estimated total acreage expected to require humate application annually to allow for consistent and accurate pricing among all oƯerors?

65. Question: PWS Section 5.6.1.9 requires the Contractor to provide and pay monthly internet service charges for the central irrigation computer, and PWS Section

5.6.1.10 requires the Contractor to renew and pay an annual subscription and monthly cellular communication service charges for the cloud-based irrigation control system. Both are Contractor-furnished costs that must be included in the bid price. Can the Government provide the current monthly internet service charge, the current annual subscription cost, and the current monthly cellular communication service charge for the existing irrigation control system, to allow oƯerors to price these recurring costs consistently and accurately?

Response: The Government will pay for irrigation subscriptions. PWS updated.

66. Question: The solicitation requires oƯerors to submit six technical plans with the following page limits: Turfgrass Management Plan (10 pages), Irrigation Management Plan (10 pages), Work Plan (15 pages), Site-Specific Safety Plan (5 pages), Contractor Quality Control Plan (5 pages), and draft Comprehensive Grounds Management Plan (10 pages). Several of these plans — particularly the Turfgrass Management Plan, Irrigation Management Plan, and Grounds

Management Plan — must address the full scope of an operationally complex, 77.5-acre national cemetery that includes 78 acres of irrigated turf, a 13-event annual turf application schedule, a 15-category irrigation repair program, and species-specific protocols for warm- and cool-season grasses. A thorough, site-specific plan that addresses all PWS requirements for any one of these sub-factors would routinely require more than the allotted page count. Accordingly, we respectfully request that the Government either (1) increase the page limits for Sub-Factors 1, 2, and 6 to 20 pages each and Sub-Factor 3 to 25 pages, to permit oƯerors to submit plans that are substantively complete and site-specific; or (2) formally confirm that all six plans are evaluated as draft documents submitted for proposal purposes only, and that the contractor will have the opportunity to expand, refine, and finalize each plan in coordination with the COR following contract award, without being held to the proposal version as the operative contract document.

Response: All technical plans are for proposal purposes only. The Contractor will coordinate with the COR following award to refine and finalize technical plans.

67. Topic: Turf Renovation – Seeding vs. Sodding CLIN Assignment Reference: PWS Section 5.4.1; Technical Exhibit 4 Question: Can the government clarify if the turf renovation sodding services fall under CLIN 7 or CLIN 8?

Response: Seeding and sodding fall under CLIN 0008.

68. Topic: Turf Renovation – Estimated Annual Quantity as Not-to-Exceed vs. Minimum Reference: PWS Section 5.4.1; Technical Exhibit 4 Question: Technical Exhibit 4 reflects estimated annual turf renovation quantities of 40,000 square feet for Vegetation Removal, Soil Preparation, Fine Grading, and Seeding. Can the Government confirm whether these estimated quantities represent a not-to-exceed annual ceiling, or whether the Government may direct the contractor to perform turf renovation beyond 40,000 square feet at the COR’s discretion? If quantities may exceed 40,000 square feet, oƯerors need to understand whether additional work above the estimate would be compensated as an over-run or directed change.

Response: These quantities represent a not to exceed annual ceiling without a contract modification.

69. Topic: Weed-Free Standard – 98 Percent vs. 90. Percent Discrepancy. Reference:

PWS Sections 5.4.7.1 and 5.3.1.8 Question: PWS Section 5.4.7.1 requires that high-visibility turf areas (committal service shelters, columbarium and memorial walkways, flagpole/assembly area, public buildings, entrance gate, and primary roads) shall be 98 percent weed free. PWS Section

5.3.1.8 requires gravesites to be 100 percent weed free. However, the National Cemetery Administration standard referenced in NCA Handbook 3410 establishes 90 percent as the acceptable weed-free threshold for general turf areas. The 98 percent standard in PWS Section 5.4.7.1 is significantly more demanding than the NCA standard and will require more frequent and intensive herbicide applications.

Can the Government confirm that 98 percent is the intended standard for the areas listed in PWS Section 5.4.7.1, or whether this figure is a typographical error and the intended threshold is 90 percent consistent with NCA standards?

Response: The standard is 90%. 98% was a typo. PWS updated.

70. Topic: Core Aeration – Plug Depth Requirement vs. Industry Standard Equipment

Capability Reference: PWS Section 5.4.13; Technical Exhibit 6, Applications #10b and #13c Question: PWS Section 5.4.13 requires core aeration equipment to extract minimum 4-inch and maximum 6-inch core plugs. Standard commercially available aerification equipment is typically capable of achieving a core depth of 2.5 to 4 inches under normal soil conditions. Achieving a consistent minimum 4-inch depth across the full cemetery turf area may require specialized equipment not commonly available, potentially increasing equipment costs. Can the Government confirm whether the 4- inch minimum core depth requirement is firm, or whether the Government would accept a 2.5-inch to 4-inch core depth range consistent with typical industry-standard equipment capabilities?

Response: PWS Section 5.4.13.8 states a minimum 4-inch core plug

71. Topic: Irrigation System Minor Repair – Unit of Measure and Pricing Structure Reference: PWS Section 5.6.3; Technical Exhibit 4 Question: Technical Exhibit 4 prices Irrigation System Minor Repair as 1 Job annually and Major Irrigation System Repairs as 1 Job annually. The scope of minor irrigation repairs – which can include valve replacements, controller repairs, broken submain pipe, sprinkler head replacements, and decoder repairs – is unpredictable in both frequency and volume and cannot be reliably estimated as a single annual job. Pricing this work as 1 Job creates significant financial risk for oƯerors if actual repair volumes exceed the assumed scope, and creates ambiguity about what is included in the annual job price. Can the Government revise the unit of measure for Irrigation System Minor Repair from “1 Job” to a perunitor per-repair pricing structure (e.g., per each, per hour, or per occurrence), to allow oƯerors to price this variable-scope service accurately?

Response: Unit of measure will remain as “Job”.

72. Topic: Major Irrigation System Repair – Safety Provisions and Shoring Costs, Reference: PWS Section 5.6.3; Technical Exhibit 4

Question: Technical Exhibit 4 prices Major Irrigation System Repairs as 1 Job, and PWS Section 5.6.3 states that quotes for major repairs must include pricing for replacement materials to match existing materials and finishes. Major irrigation repairs may require excavation of pressurized mainline pipe at significant depths, which under OSHA regulations may necessitate trench shoring, sloping, or other protective systems. Can the Government confirm whether the cost of required safety measures – including shoring, trench protection, and associated labor – is to be included in the contractor’s quote for major irrigation repairs, or whether these safety-related costs would be addressed separately as a Government directed change?

Response: The cost for safety measures shall be included in the Contractor’s quote.

73. Topic: Gate Automation Maintenance – Government vs. Contractor Responsibility, Reference: PWS Section 5.11.6; Technical Exhibit 4

Question: PWS Section 5.11.6 requires the contractor to maintain gate automation twice annually, including lubrication of rollers and chains and tension bar adjustment. At the pre-proposal site visit, the Contracting OƯicer’s Representative indicated that gate automation service would be provided by the installation vendor, not the maintenance contractor. Can the Government clarify in writing whether gate automation maintenance is the responsibility of the contractor under this solicitation or whether it will be covered under a separate vendor agreement, so that oƯerors can determine whether to include this cost in their proposals?

Response: Routine maintenance is the responsibility of the Contractor.

74. Topic: Sand Joints in Unit Pavers at Committal Shelter – Applicability of Requirement, Reference: PWS Section 5.11.13; Technical Exhibit 4 Question: PWS Section 5.11.13 and Technical Exhibit 4 require the contractor to re-sand joints in unit pavers at the Committal Shelter with polymeric jointing sand once per year. Based on observations at the pre-proposal site visit, the unit pavers at the Committal Shelter appear to have been removed and no longer exist. Can the Government confirm whether unit pavers are currently present at the Committal Shelter and whether this requirement remains applicable, or whether this line item should be removed from the scope of work and the corresponding CLIN eliminated from pricing?

Response: There are no long unit pavers at the Committal Shelter. This requirement has been removed from the PWS.

75. Topic: Sunken Grave Renovation and Fine-Tuning Alignment – Estimated Quantities as Not-to-Exceed, Reference: Technical Exhibit 4; PWS Sections 5.3.2 and 5.2.3

Question: Technical Exhibit 4 lists estimated annual quantities of 500 each for Full Casket Sunken Grave Renovation, 250 each for Cremation Sunken Grave Renovation, and 200 each for Fine-Tuning Alignment (Bump & Run). Can the Government confirm whether these quantities represent not-to-exceed annual ceilings beyond which no additional units will be directed, or whether actual quantities could exceed these estimates at the COR’s direction? If actual quantities may exceed these estimates, oƯerors need to understand whether compensation for units above the estimated quantity would be at the same unit price or require a contract modification.

Response: These quantities represent a not to exceed annual ceiling without a contract modification.

76. Question: Using a registered land surveyor to create as built map is usually something done for full section raise and realignment projects. This will add a significant cost. Can you verify that an as-built survey map, and temporary control pin markers placed by registered land surveyor is required?

Response: This will not be required as the cemetery is a closed cemetery and a raise and realignment project was completed in the recent past.

77. Question: How many square feet are included in the non-irrigated turf area?

Response: There is approximately 319,050 square feet of non-irrigated turf area.

78. Question: Will all 78 irrigated acres be top dressed?

Response: Yes. All irrigated turf will require topdressing.

79. Question: Is there a list of historical monuments to be cleaned?

Response: Technical Exhibit 13 lists the monument summary.