S02 - Solicitation - 36C78625R50130 - Morovis NC Ground Maintenance Services - 5925.pdf

PAGE 1 OF 151 1. REQUISITION NO.

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE 4. ORDER NO. 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NO. (No Collect Calls) 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL

TIME

9. ISSUED BY CODE 10. THIS ACQUISITION IS UNRESTRICTED OR SET ASIDE: % FOR:

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

8(A)

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ IFB RFP

15. DELIVER TO CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

17a. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR CODE FACILITY CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

TELEPHONE NO. UEI: EFT:

PHONE: FAX:

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW IS CHECKED

SEE ADDENDUM

19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24.

ITEM NO. SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED.

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA ARE ARE NOT ATTACHED

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN _______________ 29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. ___________________________________ OFFER COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DATED ________________________________. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY (BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED SET FORTH HEREIN IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) 31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION (REV. NOV 2021)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

STANDARD FORM 1449

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

36C78625R50130 05-09-2025

Janice Brooks 06-13-2025

10:00 AM EDT

36C786 Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Contracting Services 18434 Joplin Road Triangle VA 22172

X 100

X

561730

$9.5 Million

N/A

X

36C786

Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Contracting Services http://www.tungsten-network.com/customer -campaigns/veterans-affairs/

1-877-752-0900

See CONTINUATION Page

The Contractor shall provide all labor, materials, equipment, Tools, and supplies required to perform grounds maintenance

Services at the Morovis National Cemetery.

See CONTINUATION Page

X X

X 1

Joselito Roman

CONTRACTING OFFICER

36C78625R50130

Table of Contents

SECTION A

A.1 SF 1449 SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

B.2 STATEMENT OF WORK

B.3 DELIVERY SCHEDULE

SECTION C - CONTRACT CLAUSES

C.1 52.212-4 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (NOV 2023)

C.2 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

C.3 52.204-18 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE MAINTENANCE

(AUG 2020)

C.4 52.216-18 ORDERING (AUG 2020)

C.5 52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS (OCT 1995)

C.6 52.216-22 INDEFINITE QUANTITY (OCT 1995)

C.7 52.217-8 OPTION TO EXTEND SERVICES (NOV 1999)

C.8 52.217-9 OPTION TO EXTEND THE TERM OF THE CONTRACT (MAR 2000)

C.09 52.222-32 CONSTRUCTION WAGE RATE REQUIREMENTS—PRICE ADJUSTMENT

(ACTUAL METHOD) (AUG 2018)

C.10 52.228-5 INSURANCE—WORK ON A GOVERNMENT INSTALLATION (JAN 1997)

C.11 52.229-3 FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL TAXES (FEB 2013)

C.12 52.232-18 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS (APR 1984)

C.13 52.232-19 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR (APR 1984)

C.14 52.237-2 PROTECTION OF GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS, EQUIPMENT, AND

VEGETATION (APR 1984)

C.15 52.237-3 CONTINUITY OF SERVICES (JAN 1991)

C.16 VAAR 852.201-70 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (DEC 2022) .. 109

C.17 VAAR 852.203-70 COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING (MAY 2018)

C.18 VAAR 852.204-70 PERSONAL IDENTITY VERIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR

PERSONNEL (MAY 2020)

C.19 VAAR 852.211-72 TECHNICAL INDUSTRY STANDARDS (NOV 2018)

C.20 VAAR 852.219-73 VA NOTICE OF TOTAL SET-ASIDE FOR CERTIFIED SERVICE-

DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION)

C.21 VAAR 852.219-74 VA NOTICE OF TOTAL SET-ASIDE FOR VERIFIED VETERAN-

OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES (NOV 2022)

C.22 VAAR 852.219-75 VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION (JAN 2023)

(DEVIATION)

C.23 852.222-71 COMPLIANCE WITH EXECUTIVE ORDER 13899 (DEVIATION) (APR

2025)

C.24 VAAR 852.232-72 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PAYMENT REQUESTS (NOV

2018)

C.25 VAAR 852.237-75 KEY PERSONNEL (OCT 2019)

C.26 VAAR 852.242-71 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACTING OFFICER (OCT 2020)

C.27 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT

STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAY 2024)

SECTION D - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, OR ATTACHMENTS

D.1 ATTACHMENT A – MOROVIS NC GMC STATEMENT OF WORK

D.2 ATTACHMENT B - MOROVIS NC GMC COST SCHEDULE

D.3 ATTACHMENT C - PAST PERFORMANCE QUESTIONNAIRE MOROVIS NATIONAL

CEMETERY

D.4 ATTACHMENT D – MOROVIS NC - SERVICES WAGE DETERMINATION

D.5 ATTACHMENT E – MOROVIS NC - CONSTRUCTION WAGE DETERMINATION . 127

D.6 ATTACHMENT F - VAAR CLAUSE 852.219-75 - VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON

SUBCONTRACTING 02

SECTION E - SOLICITATION PROVISIONS

E.1 52.201-1 ACQUISITION 360: VOLUNTARY SURVEY. (SEPT 2023)

E.2 52.212-1 INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND

COMMERCIAL SERVICES (SEP 2023)

E.3 52.252-1 SOLICITATION PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB

1998)

E.4 52.209-7 INFORMATION REGARDING RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS (OCT 2018) .. 132

E.5 52.216-1 TYPE OF CONTRACT (APR 1984)

E.6 52.222-5 CONSTRUCTION WAGE RATE REQUIREMENTS – SECONDARY SITE OF

THE WORK (MAY 2014)

E.7 52.233-2 SERVICE OF PROTEST (SEP 2006)

E.8 VAAR 852.233-70 PROTEST CONTENT/ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

(OCT 2018)

E.9 VAAR 852.233-71 ALTERNATE PROTEST PROCEDURE (OCT 2018)

E.10 52.212-2 EVALUATION—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL

SERVICES (NOV 2021)

E.11 52.212-3 OFFEROR REPRESENTATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS—COMMERCIAL

PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES (MAY 2024)

SECTION B - CONTINUATION OF SF 1449 BLOCKS

B.1 CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

1. Contract Administration: All contract administration matters will be handled by the following individuals:

a. CONTRACTOR:

b. GOVERNMENT: Contracting Officer 36C786 Jose Roman Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Contracting Services

2. CONTRACTOR REMITTANCE ADDRESS: All payments by the Government to the contractor will be made in accordance with:

[] 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System For Award Management, or

[] 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party

3. INVOICES: Invoices shall be submitted in arrears:

a. Quarterly []

b. Semi-Annually []

c. Other [X] Monthly

4. GOVERNMENT INVOICE ADDRESS: All Invoices from the contractor shall be submitted electronically in accordance with VAAR Clause 852.232-72 Electronic Submission of Payment Requests.

http://www.tungsten-network.com/customer-campaigns/veterans-affairs/

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS: The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the Solicitation numbered and dated as follows:

AMENDMENT NO DATE

http://www.tungsten-network.com/customer-campaigns/veterans-affairs/

5. 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.

6. Site Visit Offerors are urged and expected to inspect the site 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 the site constitute grounds for a claim after contract award. If you plan to conduct a site visit / inspection of Morovis National Cemetery, YOU MUST CONTACT the following personnel to make arrangements:

Hector Nevarez, COR, Hector.Nevarez@va.gov Please cc Contract Specialist Janice Brooks at Janice.Brooks@va.gov.

Site Visit will be held on 05/22/2025 from 11:00am to 1:00pm and will not be rescheduled.

7. Instructions to Offerors:

Interested Offerors MUST be registered with the System of Award Management (SAM) at http://www.sam.gov and must complete 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) socioeconomic 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 in the SBA website (veterans.certify.sba.gov) upon solicitation close date will be considered non-responsive.

http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.verterans.certify.sba.gov/

Provisions that are incorporated by reference (by Citation Number, Title, and Date), have the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available.

8. Proposal Submission Instructions:

This section provides general guidance for preparing proposals as well as specific instructions on format and content of the proposal. The Offeror’s proposal must include all data and information requested herein and must be submitted in accordance with these instructions. Nonconformance with the instructions provided herein may result in an unfavorable evaluation. Proposals shall be clear, concise, and shall include sufficient detail for effective evaluation and for substantiating the validity of the stated claims. The proposal should not simply rephrase or restate the Governments’ requirements but shall address how the Offeror intends to meet these requirements. Offerors shall assume that the Government has no prior knowledge of their abilities and experience and will base its evaluation on the information presented in the Offeror’s proposal. Offerors are required to meet all solicitation requirements, including terms and conditions, representations and certifications, and technical requirements.

9. Solicitation Questions:

Questions concerning the solicitation will be accepted from the solicitation posting date until 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time, May 23, 2025. Questions will only be accepted by email to Janice.Brooks@va.gov and cc Larry.Curtis@va.gov.

10. Information Regarding Submission of Proposal:

Proposals will be considered only from Interested Offerors who are regularly established in the business called for and who are financially responsible and have the necessary equipment and personnel to furnish the supplies and services required under this contract. Proposals will be only accepted electronically via email to Janice Brooks (Contracting Specialist) at Janice.Brooks@va.gov and cc Larry.Curtis@va.gov (Contracting Officer) no later than June 13, 2025 at 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time (EST). Offerors shall submit Volume A through C in three (3) separate Adobe Acrobat files (pdf.) and Volume D as an Excel Spread sheet (xlsx.). Should the Interested Offeror have issues in submitting the GANTT Chart in pdf format, the GANTT Chart may be submitted in xlsx. format if authorized by the Contracting Officer (CO), or the Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO) or by the Contracting Specialist (CS) administering this acquisition. An email request must be submitted on time, prior to the solicitation closing date and time for this to be approved.

11. Proposal Volumes:

Each Volume will be identified as follows.

1. Company’s Information (Volume A)

2. Company’s relevant experience in performing Grounds Maintenance Services (Volume B) and will include the following:

a. Targeted Capability Statement

i. Corporate Data

ii. Short Summary

iii. Core Competencies

iv. Similar Work Performed

b. Key Personnel(s) managerial and technical qualifications in performing Grounds

Maintenance Services. To include Resumes.

c. Work Plan/Staffing Plan

i. Man hours

ii. Methodology mailto:Janice.Brooks@va.gov mailto:Larry.Curtis@va.gov mailto:Janice.Brooks@va.gov mailto:Larry.Curtis@va.gov

iii. List of Equipment/Vehicles

iv. Licenses/Permits and Insurance information

d. GANTT Chart

3. Past Performance (Volume C)

4. Pricing (Volume D) will be submitted as an Excel Spread Sheet

The offeror shall include only one copy of each part.

12. Evaluation Process:

In accordance with FAR 15.101-1 Tradeoff process, a tradeoff process is appropriate when it may be in the best interest of the Government to consider award to other than the lowest priced offeror or other than the highest technically rated offeror. Tradeoff process allows the Government to accept other than the lowest priced proposal. The perceived benefits of the higher priced proposal shall merit the additional cost.

In accordance with FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation Commercial items, the Government will award a contract using the best value tradeoff approach, resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. Technical and past performance when combined are significantly more important than price.

13. Technical Rating:

In accordance with FAR 15.305 Proposal Evaluation, this Agency shall evaluate competitive proposals and then assess their relative qualities solely on the factors and subfactors specified in the solicitation.

Interested Offerors’ Technical Evaluations will be conducted by utilizing a combination of rating method that includes color, adjectival ratings, numerical weights, and ordinal rankings. See below:

• Blue/Excellent will demonstrate a Contractor’s excellent understanding of the requirements to include an approach that significantly exceeds performance or capability standards. The overall numeric score for excellent is 55 to 60.

• Green/Good will demonstrate a Contractor’s good understanding of the requirements to include an approach that exceeds performance or capability standards. The overall numeric score for excellent is 43 to 54.

• Yellow/Acceptable will demonstrate a Contractor’s acceptable understanding of the requirements to include an approach that meets performance or capability standards. The overall numeric score for excellent is 31 to 42.

• Orange/Marginal will demonstrate a contractor’s shallow understanding of requirements to include an approach that only marginally meets performance or capability standards. The overall numeric score for excellent is 19 to 30.

• Red/Unsatisfactory will demonstrate a contractor’s failure to meet performance or capability standards. The overall numeric score for excellent is 0 to 18.

The overall numeric score will be tabulated utilizing each sub-factors’ color, adjectival rating, and numerical weights. The relative strengths, deficiencies, significant weaknesses, and risk identified for each sub-factor, together with the color, adjectival rating, numerical weights, and ranking will determine the best overall Technical. The Technical evaluation together with Past Performance review and Price will determine the overall awardee.

14. Past Performance Rating

Past Performance information is one indicator of an Offeror’s ability to perform the contract successfully.

The recency and relevancy of the information, source of the information, context of the data, and general trends in contractor’s performance shall be considered. All Offerors are to utilize Attachment B, Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ), and submit copies of the filled-out questionnaire with their offer. Past performance information determined to be "Not Recent" will be rated Neutral. Not Recent information is defined as PPQs submitted that were not performed within the last five years. Should an Interested Offeror provide “Non-Relevant” past performance information, the Offeror shall also receive a Neutral rating. Non-Relevant past performance is past performance that are not similar in size, scope, and complexity. PPQs that involve past performance that are somewhat similar in size, scope, and complexity will be rated “Somewhat Relevant”. In the case of an offeror without a record of relevant past performance or whom information on past performance is not available, the offeror will not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance and will receive a Neutral rating.

The Government shall consider this information, as well as information obtained from any other sources, when evaluating offeror’s past performance.

15. Price Price will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness in accordance with FAR subpart 15.4, as applicable.

16. Proposal Preparation Instructions:

An Offeror shall submit four (4) separate volumes. Each Volume will be titled Volume A, Volume B, Volume C, and Volume D respectively. Interested Offerors who fail to submit the four (4) separate volumes as directed will be considered non-responsive. If one document containing all four (4) Volumes is submitted the Interested Offeror will be considered 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 Legal Business/Company Name not coincide with what is listed in the Government’s website www.sam.gov , the Interested Offeror will be considered non-responsive.

• Complete Company Address (No P.O. Boxes). Should an Interested Offeror submit the Company’s address as a P.O. Box, the Interested Offeror will be considered non-responsive.

• SAM Unique Entity Identification (UEI).

• Company’s Point of Contract Name and Title

• Telephone Number

• Email Address

• Solicitation Amendments acknowledgement. Interested Offerors will acknowledge all amendments by either providing a signed copy of the Amendment(s) or by filling out page 4.

Titled ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS. Failure to acknowledge all subsequent Amendments will result in the Interested Offeror being considered non-responsive.

• One (1) Copy of completed FAR Clause 52.223-3 “Hazardous Material Identification and Material Safety Data” (if applicable).

• One (1) copy of Completed FAR Provisions 52.212-3 annual Certifications and Representations or indicate whether contractor has completed the annual representation and certifications electronically at www.sam.gov (copy of current SAM status). Failure to provide a copy of the company’s annual Certifications and Representations or failure to indicate that a completed annual Certifications and Representations has been updated in www.sam.gov will result in the Interested Offeror being considered non-responsive.

• In accordance with Public Law 116-183 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 http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/

Offerors who claim SDVOSB or VOSB status will provide a signed copy of VAAR 852.219-75 VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting Certificate of Compliance for Services and Construction. Offerors must complete, sign, and return the formal certification with the Offeror’s proposal. The Government will not consider offers for award from offerors that do not provide the certification, and all such responses will be deemed ineligible for evaluation and award.

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 its 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:

1. Company relevant experience in performing Grounds Maintenance Services: Grounds Maintenance Service is defined as mowing, edging trimming, irrigation operation, inspections and maintenance, pump monitoring and maintenance, fertilizer, Gypsum application, herbicide, pre-emergent, insect pest disease control, flat marker cleaning, Pressure washing, and storm damage clean-up. It also includes experience in irrigation system repairs. See Statement of Work (SOW) to fully gauge what a 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. Additionally, Interested Offerors will also provide information on the following:

i. Corporate Data: Contractor will state its registered company name as listed in www.sam.gov as well as the year and state of incorporation. Contractor will provide a hyperlink to their website if applicable, provide their business size and status regarding the required NACIS code (561730), and state whether their firm is a Service-disabled Veteran- Owned Small Business.

ii. Short Summary: Contractor will provide a brief description of the company’s history, and mission statement.

iii. Core Competencies: Contractor will provide competencies such as capabilities and strengths, knowledge, skills, and resources within its organization that enables the contractor to provide the required service.

iv. Similar Work performed: Reference commercial, 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. The evaluation for past performance shall be evaluated by the Contracting Officer.

2. Managerial & Technical Qualifications of Key Personal to include Resumes: Contractor shall demonstrate a Management Team that will be on site during the performance period and have the required experience in Grounds Maintenance Services. See paragraph B.4.b Description of Services for additional information concerning site manager(s) responsibilities and prerequisites. This includes general ground maintenance services, headstone/marketer services, interment services, and irrigation services as defined in the Statement of Work. Experience shall include workmanship in Private, Local/State, and or National Cemeteries. Key Personnel must be employed by the Prime Contractor.

3. 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. See below:

i. Man hours: Contractor must provide an estimate as to the total amount of labor hours required in the performance of this service. Failure to provide man hours will result in the Contractor being considered non-responsive.

ii. Methodology: Contractor’s system of methods and principles in providing the service.

Failure to provide a Methodology will result in the Contractor being considered non-responsive.

iii. List of equipment/vehicles to be used: Include models, horsepower, and age. In addition, also provide any unique attributes of an equipment/vehicle that enhances proficiency if applicable.

iv. Licenses, permits and, Insurance information: Licenses/permits and Insurance must be up to date and meet Local/State and OSHA certification. Contractor must provide copies of any Licenses, permits and Insurance. Failure to provide copies of applicable Licenses/permits and Insurance will result in the Contractor being considered non-responsive.

v. 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 relations to the amount planned for those periods within the initial base year. Subsequent Option Year’s GANTT Charts will be provided by the awardee prior to the exercise of the Option Years.

Past Performance (Volume C)

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

• Utilizing the Past performance Questionnaire (PPQ), Interested Offerors shall provide three (3) past performance references within the last five (5) years that provide similar or somewhat similar work to the required services. Interested Offerors shall list any National Cemetery Administration (NCA) contracts currently working or previously worked first followed by non-NCA contracts that includes local, State, or other Federal Government and private contracts that provide similar or somewhat similar work.

Pricing (Volume D)

The following information shall be included in Volume D

• Proposed pricing shall be submitted on the Price/Cost Schedule of Services

17. Price Schedule:

The Contractor shall provide all labor, materials, equipment, tools, and supplies necessary to provide Ground Maintenance Services at Morovis National Cemetery, The address is 900 Carretera 137, Morovis, PR 00687. Services shall be provided in accordance with terms, conditions, specification, 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.

This is a single award, Fixed Price Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract issued in accordance with FAR 15 – Contracting by Negotiation. The one-time minimum guaranteed amount for this award is $10,000. The awarded contract shall have a ceiling of $1,500,000. The Government does not guarantee that it will place any orders under this contract in excess of the guaranteed minimum award amount.

Contractor will fill out MOROVIS NC COST SCHEDULE (Attachment B) and submitted as part of its proposal Volume D

Morovis National Cemetery Grounds Maintenance Services

B.2 STATEMENT OF WORK

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE - STATEMENT OF WORK

B.1 DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS / WORK STATEMENT

GENERAL INFORMATION

This Statement of Work describes the primary complete grounds maintenance service objectives for Morovis National Cemetery.

B.2 INTRODUCTION

The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration (NCA), honors Veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our nation. Morovis National Cemetery is one (1) of two (2) cemeteries in the commonwealth of Puerto Rico that receive visitors, hold ceremonies, and conduct committal services on an ongoing basis.

B.3 BACKGROUND

The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration (NCA), honors Veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our nation. There are approximately 155 National Cemeteries in 39 states that receive visitors, hold ceremonies, and conduct committal services on an ongoing basis. As the final resting place for our nation’s heroes, the standards for management, maintenance and appearance of these cemeteries have been established by the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) to reflect this nation’s concern and respect for those interred there, therefor strict adherence to the following specifications is essential.

Every action by contracting 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 when scheduling and performing work to not interrupt or disrupt cemetery operations.

1. The overall responsibility of the Contractor is to plan and perform the activities associated with statements of work as described herein, which are required to maintain an acceptable appearance of the cemetery grounds in accordance with National Cemetery Administration Operational Standards and Measures.

2. National cemeteries are a resting place for our nation’s heroes and as such, the standards for management, maintenance and appearance of these cemeteries have been established by the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) to reflect this.

3. National Cemeteries are our nation’s concern and respect for those interred there. The NCA mission: The NCA honors Veterans, active-duty Service Members, and eligible family members with final resting places in national shrines and with lasting tributes that commemorate their service and sacrifice to our nation.

The Morovis National Cemetery is in Morovis, Puerto Rico (PR) which is approximately 3 miles NW and about 23 miles from San Juan. The address is 900 Carretera 137, Morovis, PR 00687. The cemetery’s anticipated burial rate will be 100 to 1000 per year.

National Cemeteries are National Shrines. The standards of maintenance and appearance at these cemeteries must reflect this nation’s concern for those interred there. For this reason, strict adherence to the specifications is required as well as National Cemetery Administration standards.

a. Site features include a main entrance with floral beds, administration building, maintenance building, maintenance compound and contractors’ compound, 2 committal shelters, a flag assembly plaza, columbarium with floral beds, memorial trail with floral beds, extensive landscaping with trees, shrubs, and ground cover. Turf is Zoysia manila.

b. National Cemeteries are National Shrines, as codified in 38 U.S. Code § 2403 (c), “All national and other veterans’ cemeteries under the control of the National Cemetery Administration shall be considered National Shrines as a tribute to our gallant dead …”.

Therefore, the standards of maintenance and appearance at these cemeteries must reflect this nation's concern for those interred there. For this reason, strict adherence to the specifications described in the attachments, which are based on the National Cemetery Administration, National Shrine Commitment, Operational Standards and Measures, is mandatory.

c. A national shrine is a place of honor and memory that declares to the visitor or family member who views it that, within its majestic setting, every Veteran may find a sense of serenity, historic sacrifice, and nobility of purpose. Each visitor should depart feeling that the grounds, the gravesites, and the environs of the national cemetery are a beautiful and awe-inspiring tribute to those who gave much to preserve our Nation’s freedom and way of life.

d. The NCA National Shrine Commitment and Operational Standards & Measures should be considered as goals and requirements for the performance of key operational processes and should be applied at both open and closed national cemeteries where work is done by either a Federal or contract workforce.

B.3 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The Contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to provide General Maintenance Services to the Morovis National Cemetery. Specific location, size and services required for the cemetery are as follows:

Cemetery Address Acreage Required Services Morovis National Cemetery 900 Carr. 137

Morovis, PR 00687-2213

50 Turf Acres Current

50 Manually Irrigated Acres Current

General Maintenance Services

B.4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS & SPECIFICATIONS

B.4.a COMPLETE GROUNDS MAINTENANCES SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED:

The Contractor shall furnish all supervision, labor, equipment, materials and supplies necessary to perform the following General Maintenance Services tasks at Morovis National Cemetery. The contractor shall provide the workforce and all resources necessary to perform and complete multiple maintenance requirements simultaneously to maintain an acceptable appearance of the cemetery.

B.4.b DESCRIPTION OF COMPLETE GROUNDS MAINTENANCES SERVICES:

The National Cemetery Administration (NCA), Morovis National Cemetery has an immediate need for Grounds, Turf, Headstone, Lawn, Tree, Shrub, Plant bed, Maintenance, Irrigation System Maintenance and Testing, and Trash, Debris, and Leaf. The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, tools, supervision, and other items and services necessary to ensure total cemetery maintenance is performed at Morovis National Cemetery in a manner that shall maintain healthy grass, trees, shrubs, and plants and present a clean, neat, and professional appearance throughout.

Services include, but are not limited to: maintenance of grounds, to include regular mowing, weed eating, edge trimming of roadways, removal of trash, leaves, grave decorations, unsightly floral arrangements and debris, as well as, sweeping/blowing off walkways and roadways, gravesite maintenance, to include sunken graves and grounds repair, cleaning and trimming around headstones and markers; plant material maintenance, to include maintenance of planting and mulch beds (to include tree rings), and tree & shrub trimming and pruning; lawn / turf maintenance, to include sod installation, aerification, de-thatching, overseeding, application of fertilizers and herbicides/pesticides, lime application (as indicated by soil tests), and weed control; pest control; storm debris clean-up, support services, daily committal setup/teardown, headstone services, to include proper storage, transport and setting of all initial, subsequent, and replacement headstones at correct gravesite; cleaning and pressure washing of headstones, committal shelters, Administration Building, Maintenance Building, Entrance and Exit signs at both the main entrance and the maintenance entrance, and walkways/sidewalks and curbs.

Contractor shall keep drainage ditches clean and free from trash, debris, plant growth, and any manner of moss or algae formation.

All work shall be performed during normal workdays from 8:00am – 4:30pm local time (Monday thru Friday - excluding Federal Holidays where NO burials are scheduled). Work performed outside of normal work hours shall be at the discretion and approval of the VA Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COR).

The Period of Performance for this project shall consist of a Base Year (12 Months) and 4 Option years (if exercise).

Base Year: August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026 Option Year 1: August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027 Option Year 2: August 1, 2027, to July 31, 2028 Option Year 3: August 1, 2028, to July 31, 2029 Option Year 4: August 1, 2029, to July 31, 2030

Contractor shall perform all work utilizing best management and safety practices.

Contractor shall understand and meet all current applicable NCA Operational Standards and Measures (Attachment or Appendix). Minor changes to standards and measures shall be at no cost to the government (i.e., timeline to perform tasks).

Contractor shall coordinate work in advance with COR to minimize the impact to cemetery operations.

COR shall be notified in writing of all completed work by COB or no later than 8:15 am the next business day.

** IMPORTANT NOTE: Contractor will be required daily to return the “Daily Headstone Installation Sheet” no later than 3:00 pm to the Primary COR or Alternate COR. Therefore, the COR or Alternate COR can initiate the daily headstone location validation and the Headstone NCA Standard of Measure inspection. **

Table of Contents

B.4.1 GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

B.4.1.1 MOWING TURF AREA

B.4.1.2a MOWING AND TRIMMING OF NON-TURF AREAS B.4.1.2b TRIMMING AND CHEMICAL MOWING OF PERIMETER FENCE

B.4.1.3 EDGING OF WALKWAYS AND CURBS AND OTHER HORIZONTAL SURFACE

B.4.1.4 TRIMMING OF HEADSTONES, MONUMENTS, MARKERS, AND OTHER

VERTICAL SURFACES

B.4.1.5 TRASH, NON-MINERAL DEBRIS, AND GRAVE DECORATION/FLORAL

REMOVAL

B.4.1.6 SWEEPING/BLOWING OFF WALKWAYS & ROADWAYS

B.4.2 GRAVESITE MAINTENANCE

B.4.2.1a SUNKEN GRAVES, SOD REPAIR AND INSTALLATION

B.4.3.1 LEAF AND DEBRIS COLLECTION & REMOVAL

B.4.4 PLANT MATERIAL MAINTENANCE

B.4.4.1 PLANTING BEDS

B.4.4.2 MULCHING

B.4.4.3 TREE TRIMMING / PRUNING /SHRUB MAINTENANCE

B.4.4.4 TOPDRESSING OF TURF AREAS

B.4.5 LAWN / TURF MAINTENANCE

B.4.5.2 CORE AERIFICATION

B.4.5.3 FERTILIZATION

B.4.5.5 WEED CONTROL

B.4.5.5a PRE-EMERGE APPLICATIONS: Zoysia Turf B.4.5.5b PRE-EMERGE APPLICATION: Planting Beds B.4.5.5c POST-EMERGE APPLICATION: Spot treatment Zoysia Turf and Planting Beds B.4.5.5d POST-EMERGE APPLICATION: Blanket treatment Zoysia Turf B.4.5.5e BERMUDAGRASS CONTROL in Zoysia Turf B.4.5.5f NON-SELECTIVE HERBICIDE APPLICATION on access roads

B.4.6 PEST CONTROL

B.4.6.1

GREEN IGUANAS - STRAY DOGS AND OTHER PEST

B.4.6.2 FIRE ANT CONTROL

B.4.6.3 INSECT/PEST/DISEASE CONTROL

B.4.7 STORM DAMAGE AND DEBRIS CLEAN-UP

B.4.8 SUPPORT SERVICES

B.4.8.1 DAILY COMMITAL SHELTER SETUP

B.4.8.3 CEREMONY SUPPORT TO INCLUDE SET-UP AND TAKE-DOWN

B.4.9 HEADSTONE SETTING, RAISE & REALIGNMENT

B.4.9.1 HEADSTONE TRANSPORT TO GRAVESITE

B.4.9.1a HEADSTONE SETTING

B.4.9.2 HEADSTONE FINE TUNE ALIGNMENT

B.4.10 CLEANING AND PRESSURE WASHING

B.4.10.1 PRESSURE WASHING: All Headstones Section Markers and Niche Cover B.4.10.2 PRESSURE WASHING: Committal Shelters A & B B.4.10.3 PRESSURE WASHING: Administration Building/PIC & Maintenance Building

B.4.10.4 PRESSURE WASHING: Flag Assembly & Columbarium Area

B.4.10.5 PRESSURE WASHING: Walkways, Curbs, Signs, Water drains, Decorative Fence, Front & Maintenance Gates

B.4.12 CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

B.4.12.1 CONTRACTING OFFICER

B.4.12.2 CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

B.4.12.3 CONTRACTOR STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

B.4.12.4 SITE SUPERVISOR REQUIREMENTS

B.4.12.5 EMPLOYEE REQUIREMENTS

B.4.13 CONTRACTOR/EMPLOYEE CODE OF CONDUCT

B.4.14 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS

B.4.15 QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN

B.4.16 SAFETY DISCLAIMER

B.4.1 GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

NCA Cemetery Operations Operational Standards and Measures, DEC. 2023 Category 5, Grounds Maintenance Sub-Category 2: Turf / Mineral Bases

Standard 2.1: Visually prominent areas have sand, mineral, or well-established healthy stand of turf.

• Measure 2.1: Sand, mineral, or turf in visually prominent areas are generally weed free.

Standard 2.4: Visually prominent areas have a well-established, healthy stand of turf.

• Measure 2.4a: Visually Prominent Areas with established turf are Generally Free of Bare

Areas.

• Measure 2.4b: Visually Prominent Areas with established turf are maintained within one inch above the range of that which is professionally recommended for that type of turf and geographic region according to the Cemetery Grounds Management Plan.

Standard 2.6: Visually prominent areas are properly trimmed and edged.

• Measure 2.6: Other features (any additional turf areas requiring edging or trimming such as sidewalks, curbs, monuments) are trimmed or edged according to the Cemetery Grounds Management Plan

Standard 2.7: Avoid damage and ensure continuation of a well-established, healthy stand of turf during grounds maintenance operations.

• Measure 2.7: Turf damage due to grounds maintenance tasks is identified and corrective action initiated by close of business the same day.

The contractor shall mow, edge, and trim all grass within the cemetery and the perimeter tree line, entry gates, and walls. All damage due to contractors’ equipment or operations shall be repaired and/or replaced by the contractor at no cost to the government. Contractor is responsible to report any damages immediately to the COR.

Note: Zoysia grass height shall be maintained at 1 ½ to 2 inches or as directed by the COR. Cutting height shall be established as per required in the Turf Maintenance Plan, with approval from the District Agronomist.

B.4.1.1 MOWING TURF AREA

All work performed under this section is subject to the General Requirements which form a part of these specifications, and the Contractor shall be responsible for and governed by all the requirements thereunder.

SCOPE

All Mowing will be done a minimum of once a week during growing season, which is YEAR-ROUND.

The growing season may require mowing twice weekly due to favorable weather conditions to keep the turf from growing no more than one half (1/2”) inch above the maximum recommended height of 2 inches for Zoysia turfgrass. Advanced Written Notice and COR /Contracting Officer Approval is required prior to mowing more than once a week. Mowing should be performed often enough so that no more than 1/3 of leafage is removed at any 1(one) mowing.

The contractor will encounter sloped turf areas. It is imperative that these areas be maintained at the recommended height of 2 inches for Zoysia as the flat areas to ensure a consistent appearance throughout the cemetery. Careful attention must be given when mowing these sloped regions, and all procedures and equipment employed must adhere to safety standards and approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The contractor is responsible for mowing all turf and non-turf areas located on steep hillsides and flat areas to include any other areas designated by COR within the cemetery grounds in its entirety.

Scalping is not acceptable. Where scalping is evident, and does not recover, the Contractor will be responsible for repair of the damage at no cost to the Government. When scalping is a result of ruts, contractor shall ensure top dressing is completed in the ruts to not scalp the center of the gravesite.

After mowing, no excessive thatch will be permitted to remain on the turf. Visible rows or clumps of turf clippings shall not be allowed to remain on turf areas that have been cut. All clippings must be removed from the site. No clippings or trimmings shall be left in any of the flower beds, mulch, or paved areas.

Turf in burial and public areas should be maintained at a height within one-inch range of that which is professionally recommended for the recommended grass type for that geographic region.

Optimally, the height should be no more than half an inch (½) above that range. Grass is trimmed on borders.

Mowing equipment shall be kept 6 (six) to 12 (twelve) inches from upright headstones and other vertical structures and/or fixtures.

Top dressing areas with ruts from turf mowing to be completed once a year or on an as needed bases, requested by the COR. Proper top-dressing techniques shall be utilized (example – sand) and shall be approved by the COR prior to completion.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Contractor shall be responsible for mowing: edging and trimming all grass within the cemetery as specified by COR.

Turf shall be cut to maintain heights as set forth below (this may change if grounds require such height change):

Cutting Height, Inches Turf grass Species

1 ½” – 2” Zoysia Manila

All Mowing will be done a minimum of once a week during growing season, which is year-round or as directed by the COR. The growing season may require mowing twice weekly due to favorable weather conditions to keep the turf from growing above the maximum recommended height of 1.5”- 2” inches. Advanced Written Notice and COR/Contracting Officer Approval is required prior to mowing more than once a week. Mowing should be performed often enough so that no more than 1/3 of leafage is removed at anyone mowing.

Optimally, the height should be no more than half an inch (½) above that range. Grass is trimmed on borders.

Scalping is not acceptable. Where scalping is evident, and does not recover, the Contractor will be responsible for repair of the damage at no cost to the Government.

After mowing no excessive thatch/clippings will be permitted to remain. Visible rows or clumps of turf clippings shall not be allowed to remain on turf areas that have been cut. All clippings must be removed from the site. No clippings or trimmings shall be left in any of the flower beds, mulch areas or paved areas.

Due to rapid growth or wet conditions, some grass clippings may clump together excessively. The contractor will promptly remove these clippings following the mowing process.

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

The contractor shall utilize commercial-grade mowers that are equipped with mulching decks and blades specifically rated for mowing slopes exceeding 3% or line trimmers to safely accomplished this task. It is essential that the cutting blades on all mowing equipment remain sharp to ensure a clean cut of grass tips, thereby preventing any tearing or damage. Furthermore, the cutting heights of all mowing equipment must align with the specifications detailed in the Grounds Maintenance Plan. The contractor shall indicate the cutting deck height in the weekly report.

A. Riding mowers may be used if they are not operated within six (6) inches of headstones, markers, monuments, tree trunks or other vertical surfaces.

B. Commercial grade power trimmers and power edgers will be used to trim grass from around headstones, monuments, markers, etc.

C. Cutting blades on mowing and trimming equipment must be kept sharp so that grass tips are properly cut-not torn or damaged. Cutting heights of all mowing equipment shall be set according to heights specified below. The height of grass is measured to get the correct cutting height.

D. All mowers must have mulching decks with mulching blades.

E. All equipment used in cemetery on any/all inclines that are < 3% (greater 3 percent) shall be rated by equipment manufacturer specifications for such and must meet proper OSHA standards to be allowed for usage at any time on cemetery grounds and surroundings.

F. Mowers and other ground equipment must be kept off irrigation boxes. Stress on boxes causes burst pipes as far as 10" from the box due to flex and pressure placed on pipes. Damage will be the responsibility of Ground Contractor for repair(s).

Any contractor equipment brought in from third-party vendors, or other job sites, to include other national cemeteries, must be cleaned with a diluted environmentally approved disinfectant cleaning solution to prevent any cross contamination of unwanted grasses/weeds, diseases, fungi, and/or insects. Contractor shall attest weekly, in writing (email), that all equipment being used on cemetery grounds has been cleaned.

Mowers used for non-turf services shall not be used on turf grass unless cleaned prior to entering the turf area. Contractor will attest that all equipment being used on turfed areas has been cleaned prior to use in writing (email) to COR.

Any cross contamination or associated turf damage resulting from Contractor negligence shall be repaired, treated, or replaced at the Contractor’s expense.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Scalping, mud striping, race tracking, and/or rutting of Cemetery grounds are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. If such turf damage is identified, the Contractor shall repair and/or replace the damaged turf at the Contractor’s expense no more than 72 hours after identification.

No thatch layer shall exist at any time on cemetery grounds. By following the prescribed mowing schedule, the presence of thatch should be eliminated. If thatch is present following a mowing, it must be mulched, raked, or otherwise collected, and removed from cemetery grounds by close of business on the day it was created. Multiple passes of mowing equipment may be necessary to thoroughly mulch clippings.

There shall never be visible rows or clumps of grass clippings allowed to remain on grounds. All clippings must be removed from the site. No excess clippings or trimmings shall be left in any of the flower beds, mulch areas, paved areas, and/or concrete surfaces.