Fort Bayard National Cemetery Grounds Maintenance -- S208

Amendment / Modification

This document is an addendum to FAR 52.212-1 and FAR 52.212-2, providing additional instructions and clarifications for offerors responding to the solicitation.

Key updates include:

• General Instructions (Section A): Emphasizes the importance of submitting complete proposals, understanding all solicitation requirements, and the consequences of non-compliance.
• Proposal Submission: Requires proposals to be submitted in two separate documents: Part-I Price and Part II-Technical. Offers must be submitted electronically.
• Required Items Before Submission: Lists specific items offerors must complete and include, such as the SF 1449, Price Schedule, acknowledgments of amendments, non-price and price evaluation factor information, draft Quality Control Plan, and draft Grounds Maintenance Plan.
• Type of Acquisition (Section B): Clarifies this is a competitive solicitation with award based on Lowest-Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA).
• Period of Acceptance of Offers (Section C): Offerors must hold prices firm for sixty (60) calendar days from the solicitation closing date.
• Post-Award/Pre-Performance Conference (Section D): A conference will be scheduled post-award.
• Points of Contact (Section E): Provides contact information for Roberto Escobedo (Contracting Specialist) for questions, with a deadline of 02/17/2026, 1:00 PM (PST). Questions must be submitted via email.
• Site Visit (Section F): A site visit is scheduled for 02/13/26 at 9:00 AM (MST) at Fort Bayard National Cemetery. Vendors are encouraged to attend and must notify the Contract Specialist by 02/11/2026, 3 PM (PST).
• Proposal Submission Instructions (Section G): Submission is via email to Roberto.escobedo@va.gov by March 10, 2026, 1:00 PM (PST). Subject line format is specified. Offerors must not alter solicitation files and are responsible for ensuring timely and readable submissions.
• Addendum to 52.212-2 (Evaluation): Details the LPTA basis of award. Technical acceptability factors include New Mexico certifications, resumes of key personnel with specific experience in cemetery operations, and a Work Plan. The evaluation process will prioritize the lowest-priced technically acceptable offer.

This addendum modifies and clarifies sections related to proposal preparation, submission, evaluation criteria, and points of contact for the solicitation.

Offerors must carefully review these updated instructions to ensure their proposals meet all requirements, including specific documentation, submission formats, and deadlines. Failure to comply may result in disqualification. The site visit and question submission deadlines are critical for understanding requirements.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0003) to Solicitation Number 36C78626R50070 introduces several key changes:

• Response Due Date Extension: The deadline for submitting offers has been extended to March 10, 2026, at 13:00 PT US/Pacific.

• Revised Performance Work Statement (PWS): A new PWS for Grounds Maintenance at Fort Bayard National Cemetery (PWS Ground Maintenance-Fort Bayard_Revised 03-04-2026.pdf) has been incorporated, replacing the previous version.

• Responses to Contractor Questions: A document titled "Contractor Questions Government Responses.pdf" has been added, providing answers to bidder inquiries.

• Revised Addendum: A revised Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 and 52.212-2 (ADDENDUM TO FAR 52.212-1 and 52.212-2 revised.pdf) has been incorporated, replacing the previous version.

• The previous PWS (P09 PWS Ground Maintenance-Fort Bayard_02-18-2026.pdf) is deleted.

• The previous Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 and 52.212-2 is deleted.

• The closing date/time for offers is updated as specified in Block 14 of the SF30 form.

• Bidders must acknowledge receipt of this amendment.

• Proposals must be prepared in accordance with the newly incorporated revised PWS and take into account the posted Q&A and revised Addendum.

• The new proposal submission deadline is March 10, 2026, at 13:00 PT US/Pacific.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To maintain the esteemed grounds of Fort Bayard National Cemetery with aesthetically pleasing landscapes, care for burial sections, and memorial sites to honor those who have served our nation.

The contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, materials, and supervision for the following services:

• Interment and Disinterment Services -Headstone Services -Gravesite Maintenance -Turf and Grasses Maintenance -Tree, Shrub, Planting, and Bed Maintenance -Irrigation System Services -Drainage System Maintenance -Trash & Debris Removal -Pavement Sweeping and Cleaning -Ice Prevention/Snow & Ice Removal -Structure Cleaning, Light Maintenance, and Janitorial -Ceremonies Assistance

• A Quality Control Program must be developed and maintained by the contractor.

• Government will monitor performance using a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

• Progress meetings may be required with the Contracting Officer, COR, and other Government personnel.

• Normal hours of operation are 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

• Work is normally not conducted on Federal holidays unless authorized.

• Contractor personnel must adhere to security rules and regulations.

• Contract Period: Twelve (12) month base year plus four (4) twelve-month option years.

• Place of Performance: Fort Bayard National Cemetery, Fort Bayard, New Mexico 88036.

• Hybrid fixed-price Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract.

• Services subject to Service Contract Act (SCA) and construction efforts subject to Davis Bacon Act (DBA).

• Contractor must provide a Site Manager with at least two years of experience and relevant accreditation.

• Contractor personnel must possess required state motor vehicle licenses and pesticide applicator certifications.

• All personnel must have positive, photographic identification.

• Contractor must safeguard all Government property.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation 36C78626R50070 for Grounds Maintenance Services at Fort Bayard National Cemetery.

• Deliverable Schedule (QCP/GMP): The PWS has been revised. Both the Quality Control Plan (QCP) and Grounds Management Plan (GMP) are required at proposal submission. They will not be part of the evaluation, but the winning offeror must provide a finalized copy by the required date with cemetery input.
• Pesticide Applicator Licensing: Licensing/certification is now required with the proposal, aligning it with the proposal submission requirement.
• Employee Identification: Sub-factor 3 has been revised. Offerors must provide a Work Plan detailing their approach, staffing, schedule, subcontractors, and equipment. The Work Plan should demonstrate understanding of requirements and the operational approach, but does not need to address every individual task. It must include a safe vehicle equipped with casket rollers for transport. To be technically acceptable, the Work Plan must address operational approach, staffing plan, subcontractor use, work schedule, and proposed equipment.

Key requirements for proposal submission have been clarified and updated, particularly concerning the QCP, GMP, pesticide applicator licensing, and the content of the Work Plan. Offerors should review these changes carefully when preparing their proposals.

Amendment / Modification

• The response due date for the solicitation has been extended.

• The closing date and time for receipt of offers has been modified.

• The new response due date is March 5, 2026, at 13:00 PT US/Pacific. This extension may impact proposal preparation timelines.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To maintain the esteemed grounds of Fort Bayard National Cemetery with aesthetically pleasing landscapes, care for burial sections, and memorial sites to honor veterans.

The contractor shall provide all labor, equipment, materials, and supervision for the following services:

• Interment and Disinterment Services -Headstone Services -Gravesite Maintenance -Turf and Grasses Maintenance -Tree, Shrub, Planting, and Bed Maintenance -Irrigation System Services -Drainage System Maintenance -Trash & Debris Removal -Pavement Sweeping and Cleaning -Ice Prevention/Snow & Ice Removal -Structure Cleaning, Light Maintenance, and Janitorial -Ceremonies Assistance

• Quality Control Plan (QCP) to be submitted with proposal and updated within 30 days of award.

• Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) will be used by the Government for monitoring.

• Progress meetings may be required.

• Normal hours of operation: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

• Work is not normally conducted on Federal holidays unless authorized.

• Contract Period: Twelve (12) month base year plus four (4) twelve-month option years.

• Place of Performance: Fort Bayard National Cemetery FBNC, Fort Bayard, New Mexico.

• Non-personal services contract; Government will not exercise supervision or control over service providers.

• Contractor shall provide a Site Manager with at least two years of experience and relevant accreditation.

• Security requirements include abiding by all security rules and regulations, maintaining a list of individuals working onsite, and safeguarding Government property.

• Contractor personnel must possess required licenses and certifications, including for pesticide application.

• Conflict of Interest clause applies.

• Contractor must adhere to standards of employee conduct and VA regulations, including dress code and reverence during ceremonies.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to the solicitation, effective February 19, 2026, incorporates a revised Performance Work Statement (PWS) dated February 18, 2026. Specifically, PWS section 1.7.1.18 has been revised.

• Performance Work Statement (PWS), Section 1.7.1.18

This amendment does not extend the hour and date specified for receipt of offers. Bidders must acknowledge receipt of this amendment with their offers. Failure to do so may result in rejection of the offer.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to Solicitation 36C78626R50070, dated 02/19/2026, incorporates the revised Performance Work Statement (PWS) dated 02/18/2026. Specifically, PWS section 1.7.1.18 has been revised.

• Performance Work Statement (PWS), Section 1.7.1.18

This amendment does not extend the hour and date specified for receipt of offers. Bidders must acknowledge receipt of this amendment with their offer. Failure to do so may result in rejection of the offer. If a bidder wishes to change an offer already submitted, they may do so via letter or electronic communication, referencing the solicitation and amendment numbers, and ensuring it is received before the opening hour and date.

Other / Unclassified

This document outlines specific requirements for contractor personnel regarding the handling of headstones, markers, and remains within national cemeteries. It emphasizes the need for utmost care, reverence, dignity, and respect due to the nature of these sites.

Contractors must adhere to strict guidelines to avoid damaging headstones, markers, or any exposed remains. Key requirements include:

• Respectful Conduct: All actions must acknowledge the cemetery as a final resting place.
• Prohibited Actions: Contractor personnel cannot walk, stand, lean, sit, jump on, or drive over headstones or markers. Tools and equipment must not be placed on them.
• Damage Prevention: Care must be taken to avoid scratching or damaging markers.
• Responsibility for Damage: Contractors are responsible for replacing damaged headstones/markers and restoring damaged turf.
• Handling Exposed Remains: In case of exposed remains or containers, contractors must immediately contact the COR, Director/Assistant Director, or CO.
• Seeking Guidance: Any doubts regarding proper procedures must be addressed with the COR, Director/Assistant Director, or CO.
• Employee Compliance: Contractors must discuss these guidelines with employees and subcontractors, obtain signed statements of compliance from each, and submit them to the COR before work commences.

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This PWS outlines the requirements for grounds maintenance and improvement services at Fort Bayard National Cemetery (FBNC) in Fort Bayard, New Mexico. The primary goal is to maintain the cemetery's grounds to honor veterans, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing landscape and well-cared-for burial and memorial sites.

The contractor will provide all necessary personnel, materials, equipment, and supervision for a comprehensive range of services, including:

• Interment and Disinterment Services
• Headstone Services (setting, raising, realigning, cleaning)
• Gravesite Maintenance (including "water-wise" sections)
• Turf and Grasses Maintenance (mowing, trimming, seeding, sodding, aeration, fertilization, pest control)
• Tree, Shrub, Planting, and Bed Maintenance (pruning, fertilization, weed control, mulching)
• Irrigation System Services (management, maintenance, minor repairs)
• Drainage System Maintenance
• Trash & Debris Removal
• Pavement Sweeping and Cleaning
• Ice Prevention/Snow & Ice Removal
• Structure Cleaning, Light Maintenance, and Janitorial Services
• Ceremonies Assistance

Services must adhere to National Cemetery Administration (NCA) Standards. The contractor must maintain an effective Quality Control (QC) program and will be monitored by the Government via a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). Specific performance objectives and thresholds are detailed in the QASP.

• Period of Performance: Twelve (12) month base year plus four (4) twelve-month option years.

• Place of Performance: Fort Bayard National Cemetery, 200 Camino De Paz, Fort Bayard, New Mexico 88036.

• Contract Type: Hybrid fixed-price Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ).

• Personnel: Must possess required skills, licenses, and certifications. A Site Manager with specific experience is required.

• Quality Control Plan (QCP): Must be submitted with the proposal and finalized within 30 days of award.

• Reporting: Requires submission of Grounds Management Plan (GMP), weekly work plans, and daily, weekly, monthly, and annual work assessment reports with photographic documentation.

• Security: Contractor personnel must adhere to all cemetery security rules and regulations and maintain a list of all personnel and vehicles on site.

• Conduct: Personnel must maintain professional conduct, proper reverence during ceremonies, and adhere to VA regulations.

• Government Furnished Property (GFP): Includes parking/staging area, temporary storage, dumpster for trash/headstones, non-potable water, and new/replacement headstones/markers.

• Contractor Furnished Items: Includes all other labor, equipment, materials, transportation, permits, and services not listed as GFP.

Other / Unclassified

This document outlines specific requirements for contractor personnel working within national cemeteries. It emphasizes the need for utmost care, reverence, dignity, and respect when performing any actions on cemetery grounds, acknowledging these as final resting places.

• Respect for Headstones and Markers: Contractors and their personnel must not walk, stand, lean, sit, jump on, or drive over headstones or markers. Tools, equipment, or other items must not be placed on or leaned against them. Care must be taken to avoid scratching or damaging markers.
• Responsibility for Damage: Contractors are responsible for replacing any damaged headstones or markers and for restoring any turf damaged during work.
• Handling of Remains: Should any activity expose or damage remains, containers for remains (caskets, urns), or outer burial containers, the contractor must immediately contact the COR, Director/Assistant Director, or Contracting Officer (CO) for guidance.
• Procedure Clarification: Any doubts regarding proper procedures must be brought to the attention of the COR, Director/Assistant Director, or CO.
• Employee Compliance: Contractors must discuss these guidelines with all employees and subcontractors, obtain signed statements of compliance from each, and deliver these signed statements to the COR before commencing work.

This document is critical for any bidder whose work may involve or occur within a national cemetery. It details specific conduct and responsibilities related to the sensitive nature of these locations, including potential liabilities for damage and mandatory procedures for reporting incidents. Compliance with these requirements is essential for successful contract performance.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for grounds maintenance services at Fort Bayard National Cemetery in Fort Bayard, New Mexico. The government intends to award a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP), Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract.

The contractor shall provide non-personal services including, but not limited to:

• Interment and Disinterment Services -Headstone Services (setting, raising, lowering, realigning, resetting, cleaning) -Gravesite Maintenance -Turf and Grasses Maintenance (including renovation, fertilization, pest control, mowing, trimming, edging, aerification, topdressing, dethatching) -Tree, Shrub, and Planting Bed Maintenance -Irrigation System Services (management, maintenance, minor repairs, audits) -Drainage System Maintenance -Trash & Debris Removal -Pavement Sweeping & Cleaning -Ice Prevention / Snow and Ice Removal -Structure Cleaning, Light Maintenance, & Janitorial -Ceremonies Assistance

• Type of Contract: Hybrid Fixed-Price, Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ).

• Period of Performance: Base year plus four (4) twelve-month option years.

• Place of Performance: Fort Bayard National Cemetery, Fort Bayard, New Mexico.

• Guaranteed Minimum Amount: $10,000.00

• Maximum Aggregate Value: $6,000,000.00

• Offer Due Date: March 2, 2026, 1:00 PM (PST).

• Evaluation Basis: Lowest-Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA).

• Technical Acceptability Factors:

  • Sub-Factor 1: New Mexico certifications for personnel applying fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.
  • Sub-Factor 2: Resumes of Key personnel (Site Manager, Arborist, foremen) with minimum 2 years' experience in cemetery operations, casketed/cremation burials, and headstone setting. Arborist must have 5 years' experience as a direct supervisor of commercial tree maintenance operations.
  • Sub-Factor 3: Documentation of contractor's vehicle(s) and employees (minimum 4 employees) for casketed/cremation burials and headstone setting.

• Set Aside: Small Business Set-Aside (NAICS code 561730, Size Standard: $9.5 Million).

• Vendors are strongly encouraged to attend a site visit scheduled for February 13, 2026, at 9:00 AM MST.

• Questions must be submitted via email by February 17, 2026, 1:00 PM PST.

• Proposals must be submitted in two separate documents: Part I - Price and Part II - Technical.

Amendment / Modification

This document is an addendum to FAR 52.212-1, providing additional instructions for offerors responding to the solicitation for Commercial Products and Commercial Services. It clarifies general instructions for proposal preparation, submission, and evaluation.

• Proposal Submission: Proposals must be submitted in two separate parts: Part I (Price) and Part II (Technical). Offers must be submitted in electronic format.
• Completeness: Offerors must ensure all required documents are included, complete, and clearly labeled. Incomplete proposals may be deemed unacceptable.
• Specific Requirements:
  • Complete and sign SF 1449, including contractor information.
  • Fully price the Price Schedule in SF 1449, ensuring no CLINs are left blank.
  • Acknowledge all amendments.
  • Include all requested information for non-price and price evaluation factors, such as licenses, resumes, and staffing/vehicle documentation, in Part II – Technical.
  • Provide a Draft Quality Control Plan and Draft Grounds Maintenance Plan as part of the Part II – Technical submission.
• Acquisition Type: This is a competitive solicitation using a Lowest-Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) basis of award.
• Offer Acceptance Period: Offers must remain firm for sixty (60) calendar days from the solicitation closing date.
• Points of Contact: Questions must be submitted in writing via email to Roberto.escobedo@va.gov no later than February 17, 2026, 1:00 PM (PST). Responses will be provided via amendment.
• Site Visit: A site visit is scheduled for February 13, 2026, at 9:00 AM (MST) at Fort Bayard National Cemetery. Attendance notification is required by February 11, 2026, 3 PM (PST).
• Proposal Submission Deadline: March 2, 2026, 1:00 PM (PST), submitted via email to Roberto.escobedo@va.gov with the subject line "36C78626R50070_Company Name".
• Evaluation: Offers will be evaluated on a Lowest-Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) basis. Technical acceptability factors include New Mexico certifications, key personnel experience (minimum 2 years in cemetery operations, 2 years in burial/headstone operations, and 5 years for Arborist), and contractor's provision of employees and a suitable vehicle.

This addendum modifies and clarifies instructions related to FAR 52.212-1 and FAR 52.212-2.

Offerors must adhere to the updated submission requirements, including the two-part proposal format, specific documentation, and deadlines. Failure to comply may result in disqualification. The evaluation criteria, particularly the technical acceptability factors, are detailed and must be addressed in the proposal.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Wage Determination from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division. It lists prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits for various occupations in New Mexico, specifically for the counties of Grant, Hidalgo, Luna, and Sierra. The document is revision number 29 of Wage Determination No. 2015-5461, with the last revision date of December 3, 2025.

This document is relevant to bidders as it establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits that must be paid to laborers and mechanics employed on covered federal contracts in the specified geographic area. Bidders must consult this document to ensure their proposed labor costs align with these requirements, which are critical for accurate proposal pricing and compliance with the Service Contract Act.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a General Decision Number (GDN) for building construction projects in Grant County, New Mexico, effective January 2, 2026. It specifies prevailing wage rates and fringes for various construction trades, including Carpenter, Electrician, Power Equipment Operator, Ironworker, and Pipefitter. It also includes notes on Executive Orders related to paid sick leave (EO 13706) and minimum wage (EO 13658) for federal contractors, as well as information on wage determination appeals processes.

This document is crucial for bidders on federal construction projects in Grant County, New Mexico, as it establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits that must be paid to laborers and mechanics. Understanding these rates is essential for accurate cost estimation and ensuring compliance with labor laws, directly impacting bid competitiveness and project execution.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document specifies the minimum and maximum aggregate value for the contract.

• Guaranteed Minimum Amount: $10,000.00 for the life of the contract.
• Maximum Aggregate Value: $6,000,000.00, inclusive of five one-year ordering periods.

This information is crucial for bidders to understand the potential financial scope of the contract. It clarifies that while a minimum amount is guaranteed, the government does not commit to ordering beyond this minimum.