Amendment_0001.pdf

0010165030-0001

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30-105-04EXCEPTION TO SF 30

APPROVED BY OIRM 11-84

STANDARD FORM 30 (Rev. 10-83) Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

1. Amendment 0001 is issued to make changes to the "Basis of Aw ard", the Performance Work Statement, Technical Exhibit 1 and to respond to questions

2. See "Summary of Changes" for details.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

J 1 15

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

BY 21-Nov-2012

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA15C. DATE SIGNED15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of Contracting Officer)(Signature of person authorized to sign)

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., Street, County, State and Zip Code) X W9124M-13-T-0002

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

14-Nov-2012

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

X The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offer is extended, X is not extended.

Offer must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning 1 copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN

REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE

CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(B).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

10A. MOD. OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO.(If applicable)

6. ISSUED BY

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

21-Nov-2012

CODE

MICC, FORT STEWART

MICC-ICO STEWART

976 WILLIAM H WILSON AVE SUITE 100

FORT STEWART GA 31314

W9124M 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

CODE

See Item 6

FACILITY CODECODE

EMAIL:TEL:

W9124M-13-T-0002

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION SF 30 - BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

The following have been added by full text:

RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS

1. Is it the responsibility of the awarded contractor to repair the electrical and irrigation systems should they malfunction?

Response to Question 1. See Paragraph C.3.3.5 - The Government shall be responsible for maintenance and repair of the irrigation system.

2- How many feet outside the red bud trees should the grass be cut?

Response to Question 2. See Paragraph C.3.3.1. Boundries are established in this paragraph.

3- Approximately how many trees (estimated) will we plant at a time and how many times will they be required to plant per year? Is there any historical data available from past plantings per month?

Response to Question 3. It depends on conditions. Usage for the prior 12 months is listed below:

Description OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP Total

Tree Rings 55 55 55 55 0 55 0 0 0 0 0 0 275

2" Tree 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 5 3 3 3 2 35

2.5" Tree 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 5 3 3 3 2 35

3" Tree 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 5 3 3 3 1 34

4" Tree 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 6

4- Does the area associated with the contract have it's own timer for the irrigation system and will anyone else be able to make changes to the watering schedule other than the awarded contractor?

Response to Question 4. See Paragraph C.3.3.5. Paragraph updated to reflect DPW contractor having access for emergencies.

SECTION SF 1449 - CONTINUATION SHEET

The following have been modified:

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

C.1.1 Location Fort Stewart is an Army installation located approximately 41 miles southwest of

Savannah, Georgia and is readily accessible by way of the major east coast thorough fares, US Highway 301 and Interstate 95. The cantonment area is located in the middle southern portion of the 279,665-acre reservation adjacent to the community of Hinesville, GA. Warrior’s Walk borders Cottrell Field and Quick Field near the intersection of 6th Street and Gulick Avenue.

C.1.2 Weather

Fort Stewart is located in the humid subtropics with long hot summers and mild winters. Summer temperature average 81 degrees in July and winter average 50 degrees in January. Summer high temperatures of 106 degrees and winter temperatures usually rise above freezing during the afternoon. The first frost usually occurs in November and continues through February to the beginning of March. The average annual rainfall is 50 inches with slightly over half occurring between June and September. Under normal circumstances wind speed rarely exceeds 10 knots. The hurricane and tropical storm season occurs during June through November.

C.2.1 Contractor Project Manager

The Contractor shall have a minimum of three (3) years of experience in memorial maintenance services or cemetery grounds maintenance. The Contractor shall provide a full-time Project Manager who shall also have a minimum of three (3) years of experience in the supervision of personnel providing memorial maintenance services or cemetery grounds maintenance.

The Project Manager shall be responsible for the overall management, coordination, and performance of work under this contract. The Project Manager, and their alternate(s) during Project Manager’s absence, shall have full authority to act in behalf of the Contractor. The Project Manager shall be fully qualified in landscape management and coordination of the contract requirements. The names of all contractor personnel employed at Fort Stewart, GA, shall be furnished in writing to the Contracting Officer for approval as well as any subsequent changes made during the life of the contract.

C.2.2 Contractor Personnel.

Each employee of the contractor shall be fully clothed in conventional dress while on duty. Clothing shall be kept reasonably clean and neat in appearance.

No contractor employee or representative shall wear the uniform or a distinctive part thereof or anything similar to a distinctive part of the uniform of any of the armed forces of the United States, the Public Health Service, or any auxiliary of such while on Fort Stewart, GA. Furthermore, no employee or representative of the contractor shall wear any article of clothing, or display any sticker, sign, or other article on his person or vehicle which is likely to incite violence, advocate illegal conduct, is fascist, promotes sexual harassment, denigrates the United States or any agency thereof, or is profane or obscene in nature.

C.2.3 Quality Control The contractor shall establish a complete quality control program to assure the requirements of the contract are provided as specified. One copy of the contractor’s quality control program shall be provided to the Contracting Officer for approval within 5 days after commencement of contract. An updated copy must be provided to the Contracting Officer as changes occur. All services stated in the performance work summary (PWS) shall be addressed in the Quality Control Plan, specifically the methods of identifying deficiencies in red bud trees and tree rings. The program will also include a method for testing the soil and establishing a fertilization schedule to deter unwanted weed and/or insect infestation. The COR or another authorized QAE will do random inspections and any deficiencies noted must be corrected with 24 hours.

C.2.4 Work Hours Normal work hours are 7:30 a.m. through 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. Contractor may be required to work after normal duty hours if there are any unforeseeable delays or unanticipated special events.

C.2.5 Safety All contractor work operations, equipment and personnel shall be in accordance with all applicable safety provisions as outlined in the US Army Corps of Engineers Safety and Health Requirements Manual (EM 385-1-1, 3 Nov 2003) and/or OSHA Standards for General Industry, Part 1910. A copy of these manuals may be reviewed at DPW, Contract Management Branch, Building 1178, Fort Stewart, Georgia. All safety regulations shall be followed completely.

C.3.1 Total Grounds Maintenance The contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, materials and transportation to perform grounds maintenance at the Warrior’s Walk memorial, Fort Stewart, GA. The highly visible area at Fort Stewart consists of approximately 4.0 acres located between Gulick Ave to the west, 6th Street to the south, Bundy to the east and bordering the Golf Course to the north, excluding Cottrell Field and the Quick Track areas. Warrior’s Walk is a highly traveled and visited memorial, consisting of more than 460 Eastern Red Bud trees planted in the center of an approximately 5’ mulched tree bed, with each tree signifying one soldier’s life given in battle. Warrior’s Walk is a memorial area with an intense emotional attachment for the Fort Stewart Soldiers, Family Members, and Garrison Staff. All work performed at this site will be inspected closely and highly scrutinized due to the sensitive nature and public exposure associated with this Memorial.

C.3.1.1 Each grounds maintenance cycle shall consist of mowing, trimming, edging, sweeping, raking, tree pruning, irrigation and flowerbed maintenance throughout the Warrior’s Walk memorial area. Trees that are leaning shall be uprighted and staked for support. Other areas to be addressed independently using a separate CLIN will be policing, eastern redbud tree replacements, applying turf fertilizer, applying tree fertilizer, replacing mulch in eastern redbud tree beds, replacing polyethylene (plastic) tree ring edging, and pesticide control applications.

C.3.1.2 The government anticipates ordering two grounds maintenance cycles each week from 01 March to 31 October and once weekly from 01 November to 28 February. These quantities are estimates and are subject to change based on the immediate requirements at that time.

C.3.1.3 The actual number of cycles to be ordered will be predicated on monthly task orders issued by the Contracting Officer. Each cycle shall consist of completing tasks 3.3.1 through 3.3.5 below once concurrently throughout Warrior’s Walk.

The contractor shall schedule his or her own work for each delivery order immediately upon receipt of each delivery order. The schedule shall divide the period covered in the task order by the number of cycles requested and evenly distribute schedule starting and ending dates of each cycle to insure a uniform distribution of services. The contractor shall furnish a copy of each monthly schedule to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) prior to beginning scheduled maintenance. The contractor shall strictly adhere to the schedule;

varying only in those instances of unforeseeable delay (an unforeseeable delay is defined as that instance where the Government causes delay, contractor operations are delayed by inclement weather or the performance of work may cause injury or damage to persons or property). All other variations in the contractor’s schedule shall not be acceptable unless submitted in writing and approved by the Contracting Officer prior to the performance of the variation.

Any authorized variation in the schedule shall be reported to the COR within two working hours from the time the variation is effected. The authorized representative of the contractor shall provide a written report to the COR no later than 0930 of the following workday of any damaged red bud trees or tree rings.

The authorized representative of the contractor shall also provide a written report to the COR on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s. This report shall depict the completed mowing areas and completed trimming areas, areas where work could not be performed and reason why the work could not be performed, delays encountered, deficiencies noted and deficiencies corrected, safety inspections on equipment, safety meetings conducted, names, locations, and phone numbers of persons who have prevented you from the performance of your work.

C.3.1.4 This area demands meticulous attention. All operations shall be performed concurrently and completely before proceeding to the next area. No tractors, batwings, bush hogs, flail mowers or heavy equipment will be allowed in this highly visible area. All motorized vehicles will refrain from riding on or crossing sidewalks when possible. Therefore, vehicle tire tracks, rutting, scalping, streaking or any other equipment malfunctions will not be tolerated.

Cycles will be completed as quickly as possible. Work should be scheduled during off peak time periods (EXAMPLE: not immediately before a Veteran’s Day celebration or change of command ceremony at Cottrell Field or during a monthly tree dedication ceremony, etc), possibly early morning or late afternoon during normal weekdays.

C.3.1.5 Due to the sensitive nature of the memorial area, contractor delays as a result of ceremonies, dedications, visits by family members, friends or distinguished visitors are common. Some of these delays are unpredictable and will not be considered as an excuse for the contractor’s work progress. When these events are being staged or in progress, the contractor and staff will remain at a reasonable distance from the event and refrain from using any noise producing or potentially dangerous equipment that may disrupt the solemn occasion until well after the attending persons have vacated the area.

C.3.2 Daily Tasks

C.3.2.1 The contractor shall police the area each weekday, excluding federal holidays, removing of all trash, limbs, sticks, and other manmade or organic debris in the area. Any personal mementos that become disheveled due to high winds or inclement weather will be returned to its place of origin. If any paraphernalia appears inappropriate or non serviceable, it shall be removed. The contractor shall perform monthly inspections of each eastern redbud tree and provide a written report on the overall health of each tree. Contractor shall perform a monthly inspection of the grassed turf and provide a written report on the overall health of grassed areas. Inspections should consist of physically viewing each tree and grassed areas for signs of insects, fungus and/or disease or other indicators that may cause retarded growth or threaten the overall health. In the event of such problems, the contractor will identify the deficiency by giving an exact location and detailed summary and submit a recommended solution to the COR within 24 hours after the initial discovery. If any tree is found to possess dead, damaged or diseased extremities, these portions will be pruned and/or treated immediately. The contractor shall inspect all tree rings, insuring they are undamaged, attached and provide a circular appearance and shall repair any of these deficiencies that may exist. Contractor shall notify COR if tree ring is no longer serviceable. The contractor shall immediately replant and stake any trees that have been uprooted as a result of inclement weather or other adverse conditions. Trees that are leaning shall be returned to an upright position and staked. Contractor will also report any other obvious deficiencies in the memorial area to the COR for his/her actions within two hours of discovery.

C.3.3 Grounds Maintenance

C.3.3.1 Mow and Trim During the course of each cycle, the contractor shall mow and trim all grassed areas bordered by 6th Street on the southern side, Bundy Ave on the eastern side, Gulick Ave on the western side, and the interior sections adjacent to Cottrell Field and Quick Track, running parallel to 6th St and the end adjacent to the Golf Course measuring 25 feet from the outer edge of the sidewalks. (Cottrell Field and Quick Track are not included.) The contractor may use a zero turn rotary mower not wider than 72 inches. Mower deck heights shall be set to evenly mow at a finished height of between 1-1/2” to 2”. The government reserves the right to adjust the mowing heights. Mower blades will be sharp at all times to provide a quality cut. In any area that is not mower accessible, such as but not limited to flowerbed ring areas, under temporary bleachers, light assemblies, granite markers, next to obstacles, etc., must be trimmed using string trimmers or similar methods to assure a manicured, uniformed appearance with other mowed grass. Trimming height shall match surrounding area grass heights. All light lens covers will be free of grass clippings and other debris. Any damage caused to government property including but not limited to structures, vehicles, irrigation systems, plants, trees or shrubs, etc, as a result of the contractor’s personnel or equipment shall be repaired by the contractor at the contractor’s expense within 3 working days. All plants, shrubs and trees shall be trimmed in accordance with the University of Georgia County Extension Service guidance.

Any damage to trees from trimming shall be repaired by the contractor. All grounds shall present an immaculate, neat, even and well groomed appearance after work has been accomplished.

C.3.3.2 Edging

Edging must be performed using a metal bladed rotary edger. All sidewalks, driveways, curbs, parking lots and other concrete or asphalt edges shall be edged each cycle. Edging will result in a ¼” X 2” groove running parallel to edged surface. Edging shall include removal of vegetation from cracks and voids in sidewalks, driveways, to a depth of 2 inches. Turf around sprinkler heads will be trimmed so as to not interfere with or impede water output.

C.3.3.3

Raking and Sweeping

After the mowing, trimming and edging operation has been completed, the contractor must remove all windrows in the grassed areas and blow or sweep all hard surfaced areas (concrete, asphalt) immediately, removing all clippings, leaves, pine straw and other organic debris from these areas. Contractor will not sweep, blow or otherwise dispose of clippings in any sewers or storm water drains. All storm sewer grates will be cleared of trash, leaves and other debris.

All trash and debris removed from Warrior’s Walk shall be disposed of in an approved landfill conforming to all state and federal guidelines.

C.3.3.4 Tree Bed Maintenance Tree beds will be 100% free of all grass and weeds at all times. Contractor shall remove all grass clippings, leaves, debris and other organic matter that may be present. All mulch will remain level, exhibiting a smooth uniform appearance, covering all fabric and/or soil within the tree bed. During the first mowing cycle each month, the contractor shall prune trees to maintain their natural shape.

Trees must be pruned periodically to maintain the natural shape and size and to remove any dead or decaying branches.

C.3.3.5 Irrigation The contractor must set timers and controllers and adjust water devices to underground irrigation systems located at Warrior’s Walk. The contractor will be responsible for insuring the grass and trees receive ample amounts of moisture, compensating for rainfall, without over watering. Irrigation timers will be set to operate only during non-peak hours, primarily during the nights. The contractor shall inspect and test rain shut-off devices and other components and zones in the irrigation system monthly and shall reset zone times according to seasonal evapotranspiration changes. (DPW maintenance contractor has access to the timer box but will only make changes to the timing schedule for emergency purposes.) Once a year, the contractor will recalibrate each zone to allow for the application of ½ inch - ¾ inch of water per irrigation cycle. During weekly inspections, the contractor will note and report to COR any symptoms of inadequate or excessive irrigation, drainage problems, etc. The Government will be responsible for repair of the irrigation system.

C.3.4 Redbud Tree Replacement The contractor shall purchase a tree of the same species, comparable size and shape and install per the University of Georgia County Extension Service guidelines. Tree size selections shall be IAW contract line items depending on the size and maturity of the tree to be replaced. The task order will be the final determination of the tree size selected for each application. Old trees shall be removed and new trees planted within two working days of delivery. The tree bed fabric and mulch as well as any personal items contained within the tree beds will be replaced to its original configuration. The contractor shall perform all preventative maintenance required to guarantee tree to be healthy, giving it every opportunity to survive.

C.3.5 Apply Fertilizer/Weed Deterrent/ Pest Control to Grass The contractor shall combine a minimum of three soil samples from different areas of Warrior’s Walk. The contractor must deliver this combined soil sample to a local County Extension Service office for analysis. Once the results are returned to the contractor with the County Extension Service’s recommendation for fertilization, the contractor will submit his recommendation (brand name, fertilizer type and rate of application as well as schedule), with any additional amendments that would be required for weed and pest control, to the COR for his/her approval. Upon approval from the COR the contractor shall apply chemicals, adhering to the previously agreement without variance, while following the manufacturer’s specifications for water application, preferred ambient temperature range and safety precautions, etc. All chemical applications will be performed at an off peak time, as not to disrupt any visitors to the Memorial area.

C.3.6 Replacement of Mulch Mulch shall be removed and replaced periodically as ordered by the COR.

Mulch shall be a high quality Cypress product. It will be similar or identical to existing mulch. Weed block shall be a 15 year product made by a reputable manufacturer, capable of deterring most nuisance weeds and unwanted vegetation. Manufacture’s specifications and warranty information will be provided to the COR upon request. The contractor must remove all existing mulch and other debris from plant beds, as well as any personal belongings that may be present. Beds will be raked and leveled. All unwanted vegetation shall be removed using mechanical or manual methods. The contractor shall install the approved weed block fabric, covering the entire ground surface area in each bed, leaving no gaps or holes, in an attempt to deter any future weed growth.

The contractor shall provide and install the new mulch to a minimum of 3” in plant bed, allowing complete coverage with no weed block fabric or soil exposed.

C.3.7 Fertilize Trees Trees shall be fertilized periodically to promote healthy growth. The contractor shall recommend a fertilizer to the Contracting Officer with all the ingredients necessary to promote growth and deter any pest or diseases prevalent to this species. Upon the Contracting Officer’s acceptance, the contractor will apply the fertilizer at a rate conducive to the manufacturer’s recommendation listed on the product. The contractor shall have in his/her possession a MSDS printout for each fertilizer, pesticide and/or herbicide and shall conform to all MSDS warnings and recommendations.

C.3.8 Replacement of Tree Rings Each redbud tree at Warrior’s Walk is bordered with a black plastic landscaping edging. Edging will be removed and replaced periodically as ordered by the COR. The replacement edging shall be commercial grade, identical in size and appearance, color and design. Edging shall be purchased and installed by the contractor to the exact dimensions and shape of the previously removed tree ring, with little or no disturbance to the contents located within the tree bed.

C.3.9 Pest Control The contractor will inspect lawn areas and trees each day for indications of pest problems and advise in writing the COR of such problems. Upon confirmation of a specific problem requiring treatment, the contractor will provide the COR with recommended course of action. Upon COR approval, contractor will proceed with approved course of action attempting to minimize all risks to persons and other vegetation. The contractor shall use all precautions possible, applying pesticides only as needed and only in affected spots, whenever possible using the least toxic, effective pesticide. All applications of pesticides and fertilizations will be performed when temperatures are below 90°F and wind drift is negligible. No pesticide will be applied to turf areas without the express approval of the COR who will provide approval in writing. The contractor will keep records on pests identified and treatment(s) rendered for control and give a copy to the COR. Pesticide applications will be made in accordance with the rules and regulations governing use of pesticides in Georgia.

C.3.10 Maintenance Plan The contractor shall submit a recommended maintenance plan to the COR within

7 days of award for review. In the plan, the contractor shall note the watering plan (weekly amounts per the season, etc) for the grass and trees. Also this plan should note the contractor’s recommendation for fertilizing (time of year, etc) that would reflect the best overall healthy results for grass and trees.

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 1

Performance Requirements Summary

Performance Objective

Standard

PERFORMAN

CE

THRESHOLD

Method of Surveillance

Maintain Sidewalks

No vegetation in sidewalk cracks or control joints

1/4" x 2" groove along sidewalk

Free from grass clippings

No more than three discrepancie per month

Random & Pre-Event Surveillance

Maintain Flower/Tree Beds

Pruned IAW UGA Cooperative Extension and COR standards

Free from grass/weeds or other organic materials

Mulch exhibits a smooth uniform appearance Mulch covers entire bed with 3” Minimum depth Weed fabric in place Tree ring in good shape and appearance

No more than three discrepancie s per month

Random & Pre-Event Surveillance

Maintain Grass

Evenly mowed, no streaks Light lens free from debris Free from ruts Raked, free from grass clippings and leaves No vegetation in fence line

No more than three discrepancie s per month

Random & Pre-Event Surveillance

Perform Trimming

Evenly trimmed around monument and tree rings

Sprinkler heads free from water output impendence

No more than three discrepancie s per month

Random & Pre-Event

Surveillance

Perform Tree Replacement

Installed per UGA Cooperative Extension standards

Replaced with same size tree per task order Notifies COR of trees that need to be replaced

100% 100% Inspection

Pest Control Notified COR of pest problems with recommendations

100% 100% Inspection

52.000-4016 BASIS OF AWARD

1. Basis for Contract Award.

Award will be made to a single offeror who is deemed responsible in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), whose offer conforms to the solicitation requirements, and is determined to be the lowest priced technically acceptable offer according to the criteria listed below. The evaluation process will be conducted in accordance with FAR Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items.

2. Instructions to Offerors.

The Government intends to award one contract as a result of this solicitation. Offers received for less than the stated number of items listed in the bid schedule may be considered ineligible for award, as set forth in FAR 52.212-1 (h).

The Government intends to evaluate offers and award a contract without discussions. Therefore, the initial offer should contain the best terms from a price and technical standpoint. The Government reserves the right to conduct discussions if the Contracting Officer later determines them to be necessary. In the event that discussions are held, a competitive range determination will be made. The Contracting Officer may limit the number of offers in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. Offers will be evaluated under three evaluation factors: Technical Expertise, Past Performance, and Price.

If any individual factor receives an unacceptable rating the offer will be considered unacceptable. The submission should provide sufficient information to allow an evaluation of each criteria as outlined below. Offerors are encouraged to tailor clause 52.000-4023 - “Pre-Award information,” in order to meet the information requirements of this basis of award.

3. Evaluation Criteria.

a. Technical Expertise – Offerors shall describe their relevant expertise to prove competency in performing the described tasks in the Performance Work Statement (PWS). This experience should be from projects of similar magnitude that have been successfully completed. The description shall at a minimum include:

1) The offeror shall provide the name of the company, person and contact information for the business where the offeror obtained his/her 3 years experience in providing memorial maintenance services or cemetery grounds maintenance as stated in C.2.1

2) The offeror shall provide the name of the company, person and contact information for the business where the offeror’s contract project manager obtained his/her 3 years experience in the supervision of personnel providing memorial maintenance services or cemetery grounds maintenance as stated in C.2.1

3) Offeror Bidder shall list periods of performance for all experience related to the supervising of personnel providing memorial maintenance services or cemetery grounds maintenance.

4) Offeror shall describe and/or explain specific tasks performed at memorials and/or cemeteries.

5) Offeror shall list the size of project including estimated square footage, dollar value, crew size, etc. of the memorial maintenance and/ or cemetery grounds contract(s).

6) The offeror shall explain how this experience is relevant and will directly transfer to the success completion of this requirement.

The offeror must demonstrate technical expertise associated with the requirement. Failure to provide technical expertise similar to the requirement may result in a determination that the offer is unacceptable.

The offer is acceptable when the offer demonstrates experience in meeting or exceeding the PWS requirements without introducing unacceptable risk to the project. The Technical Expertise factor will receive one of the ratings defined below:

RATING DEFINITION

Acceptable Proposal clearly meets the minimum requirements of the solicitation

Unacceptable Proposal does not clearly meet the minimum requirements of the solicitation

b. Past Performance – The past performance evaluation will assess the relative risks associated with a offeror’s likelihood of success in performing the solicitation’s requirements as indicated by their record of past performance. The Government may use data obtained from any credible source, such as the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS). Past performance areas of evaluation include:

1) Past Performance History: Performance references must include name, address, point of contact, and phone number. If the offeror has no past performance history then past performance data may be provided concerning key personnel of the offeror.

2) Recency Assessment: An assessment of the past performance information will be made to determine if it is recent. To be recent, the effort must be ongoing or must have been performed during the past three (3) years from the date of issuance of this solicitation. Past performance information that fails this condition will not be evaluated

3) Relevancy Assessment: The Government will conduct an evaluation of all recent performance information obtained to determine if it is the same or similar in nature, size, and complexity to the services/products being procured under this solicitation. A relevancy determination of the offeror’s past performance will be made. In determining relevancy for individual contracts, consideration will be given to the effort, or portion of the effort, being proposed by the offeror or subcontractor whose contract is being reviewed and evaluated. The past performance information provided in the proposal and information obtained from other sources will be used to establish the degree of relevancy of past performance.

The Past Performance factor will receive one of the ratings defined below:

RATING DEFINITION

Acceptable Based on the offeror’s performance record, the Government has a reasonable expectation that the offeror will successfully perform the required effort, or the offeror’s performance record is unknown. (See note below)

Unacceptable Based on the offeror’s performance record, the Government has no reasonable expectation that the offeror will be able to successfully perform the required effort.

Note: In the case of an offeror without a record of relevant past performance or for whom information on past performance is not available or so sparse that no meaningful past performance rating can be reasonably assigned, the offeror may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance (see FAR 15.305 (a)(2)(iv)). Therefore, the offeror shall be determined to have unknown past performance. In the context of acceptability/unacceptability, “unknown” shall be considered “acceptable.”

c. Price Evaluation – Offers will be assessed for completeness and reasonableness as follows:

1) Completeness: To be complete the offeror must provide complete pricing information for all of the Contract Line Items (CLINS) listed in the solicitation.

2) Price Reasonableness: Offers will be evaluated to determine if they are unreasonably high or low in relation to other offers. Proposed prices will also be evaluated against the market value for other services currently being performed and the Independent Government Estimate (IGE). Offers with prices that are unreasonably/unrealistically low, unbalanced or do support the technical solution may be eliminated from competition on the basis that the offeror does not understand the requirement or the offer represents too great a risk.

(End of Summary of Changes)