9930--Off-Site Manufacture of U1 Blank Marble Markers for Nationwide Distribution
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), National Cemetery Administration (NCA) is soliciting proposals for the Off-Site Manufacture of U1 Blank Marble Markers for nationwide distribution. This is a Firm-Fixed-Price, Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract to support on-site inscription programs at National and State cemeteries. Proposals and physical marble samples are due by February 23, 2026, at 10:00 AM CST.
Scope of Work
The contractor is responsible for the manufacture, packaging, and palletizing of "U1" upright marble headstones (13" x 42" x 4"). Key requirements include:
- Material: Must use an approved domestic marble quarry source; overseas suppliers are prohibited.
- Logistics: Requirements are F.O.B. Origin. The contractor must manufacture and transfer markers to a government-contracted carrier by the second Monday of each month.
- Quality Control: Markers must meet strict dimensional tolerances (+/- 1/2 inch) and finish specifications (smooth satin).
- Replacements: The contractor is only responsible for direct delivery to cemeteries in the event of replacements for damaged items.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm-Fixed-Price IDIQ
- Duration: One-year base period (April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027) plus four one-year option periods.
- Quantity: Minimum of 5,000 units; maximum of 225,000 units over the life of the contract.
- Set-Aside: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) with a tiered evaluation structure.
- Response Due: February 23, 2026.
Evaluation
Selection will be based on Price, Technical Capability, and Past Performance. Technical and Past Performance combined are less important than Price. A tiered evaluation process will prioritize SDVOSB concerns, followed by VOSB, Small Business, and finally Large Business. Note: A marble sample (13" x 24" x ¾") must be submitted for inspection; failure to pass results in proposal rejection.
Additional Notes
Amendment 0001 clarified that the guaranteed minimum/maximum amounts apply to the entire life of the contract. It also reinforced that only one domestic quarry source is permitted per contract, with changes allowed only at the start of option years.