Questions and Answers

Added: Nov 14, 2016 3:26 pm Modified: Nov 30, 2016 1:55 pmTrack Changes Amendment A00001

Questions and Answers for Solicitation VA786-17-R-0030





Question: Who is the incumbent?

Answer: This is a new requirement.



Reference: CLIN 001 Mow 26 acres of turf on a 7 day cycle

Question: As Salisbury National Cemetery lays on more than 26 acres, approximately 26 acres are currently developed, could a map be provided outlining areas on cemetery property that are to be covered under this contract, and what is not?

Answer: These services are required for the Salisbury Annex cemetery only and do not include the Salisbury Historic cemetery which is in a different location. The Government is strongly suggests that the contractor make an onsite visit to determine all of the areas included in the solicitation. See Map as a separate attachment.



Question: Could the contractor utilize open area behind Cemetery Office for a contractor secured laydown area, in the form of a CONEX / storage container to secure equipment on-site? Answer: Yes, there is an area identified by the cemetery for contractor storage of a CONEX container.



Question: Will there be an area for a Port a John.?

Answer: Yes, but needs to be provided by the contractor and COR will determine location.



Question: Will there be an area that contractor can store Equipment on site?

Answer: Cemetery will provide limited area for storage.



Question: Does the contractor follow the floral regulations?

Answer: Yes



Question: On page 18 Requirement F does the Government pay for the sod or does the contractor buy the sod?

Answer: Sod will be provided and installed by the cemetery.



Reference A.5.5 (b): Fall / Winter / Early Spring Leaf Cleanup & Removal: Leaf Removal at Salisbury National Cemetery includes all areas within the cemetery property lines and cemetery perimeters .

Question: As understood during the site visit, the grounds maintenance under this contract does not cover the entirety of the cemetery property, only 26+/- acres. Could a map be provided outlining areas on cemetery property that are covered for Leaf Cleanup & Removal? If this differs from areas covered for mow/trim/edge, please specify any differences.

Answer: This includes the same areas. A map is provided as a separate attachment.



Reference: A.5.3 Trash & Debris Removal (e) All walkways, roads, and parking areas will be swept prior to interment services or on a weekly basis

Question: Will the government please define the meaning of swept as stated in this requirement? Is it the government s intent to use a mechanical/manual broom or sweeper, or is blowing sufficient?

Answer: Mechanical sweeper or debris blower.



Reference: A.5.5 Fall / winter / Early Spring Leaf Cleanup & Removal The Contractor shall removal all leaves that have fallen ..and in the gutters of all buildings and areas between the buildings.

Question: How many linear feet of gutters are at Salisbury National Cemetery Annex for leaf removal?

Answer: No gutter cleaning is needed currently, as no gutters exist on cemetery s grounds.



Question: Is trash removal to be performed only in the weeks that mowing is performed or year round? If year round, how will trash removal be invoiced?

Answer: Trash removal will be performed in conjunction to mowing as stated in CLIN 1 or as stated in CLIN 4, depends on which one you are referring to.



Question: Is trash/debris removal to be done 7 days a week, 5 days a week or only when we have a crew out to mow/trim/edge?

Answer: When a crew is out to mow/trim/edge.



Question: Is the blowing of the roads only done in conjunction with the mowing/trimming/edging or do we need to perform this 7 days or 5 days a week year round?

Answer: Done in conjunction/after the mowing/trimming/edging, as stated in CLIN 4.



Question: Are performance and payment bonds a requirement for this respective solicitation?

Answer: the Government reserves the right to ask for performance and payment bond. Please do not provide any with proposal submittal.



Question: On average, how many burials are at the cemetery per week?

Answer: 25 per week



Question: Is it the responsibility of the contractor to trim any trees in this contract?

Answer: No



Question: Will the cemetery provide a dumpster for the contractor debris removal and Fall and Spring cleanup disposal of leaves?

Answer: No



Question: If a dumpster is not provided by the cemetery will you allow a dumpster to be placed on-site at the contractor s expense?

Answer: Cemetery COR will need to confirm after award.



Question: During the leaf season, will a weekly visit or more than once per week be required?

Answer: Leaves are to be removed weekly for a period beginning October 15th and concluding December 15th. So, the contractor will need to remove all leaves throughout the cemetery through the week and when they have completed from front of cemetery to the back of cemetery removing majority of the leaves this concludes a leaf removal cycle.



Question: Will weed control, fertilization, aeration , or lime apps be required ?

Answer: No, this is a separate contract.



Question: Clin 0005 has 9 jobs to be allocated for this service beginning October 15th thru December 15th, you also indicate that March 1st any un-fallen leaves after Fall cleanup thru the winter are to be picked up.

So is the contractor to reserve (1) of the 9 jobs stated for fall cleanup, to accomplish the Spring cleanup prior the mowing season?

Answer: If the March leaf cleanup is required, the COR will request it be completed by the Contractor and a modification to the contract would be completed, if additional funds are needed. It is not to be considered one of the 9 fall leaf cleanups.



Question: Are the headstones trimming for 6,749 upright headstones required to be done in 1 day or can it take more than 1 day?

Answer: The headstones trimming need to be completed within the same seven day cycle as the mowing.



Question: Instruction to offeror page 61 does not indicate a page limitation, for any submission requirement?

Answer: Instructions are on pages 4-6 and under E.12 ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS on pages 71-72 of the solicitation.



Question: On page 62 you specify an electronic commerce method for submittal needs to be authorized, please provide what is acceptable/authorized physical mailing and email address or fax number?

Answer: Do not use page 62 as a reference. Instructions for proposal submittal are on page 5 and again on page 71 of the solicitation.



Question: What date will this be awarded?

Answer: unknown



Question: If this is an active cemetery, shouldn't the number of headstones on CLIN's 002,102,202,302,402 reflect the estimated increase in headstones that the contractor will have to trim?

Answer: Contractor is correct. CLIN 002 is 6,749, CLIN 102 is 7,314, CLIN 202 is 7,879, CLIN 302 is 8,444 and CLIN 402 is 9,009. Please revise CLIN 2 headstone numbers on all option years before submitting a proposal.