Fort Logan Cemetery Grounds Maintenance Services Amended

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation Number 36C78626Q50042, dated January 21, 2026.

• Branch Office Requirement: A Branch Office is required within 350 miles of the cemetery, but it does not need to be on-site or fully established/secured before contract award. The office requirement is for the Project Manager to be in the general area and available.
• Trimmer Use: A "z trimmer" attachment can be used on mowers for trimming around headstones if used correctly and without causing damage. Riding mowers may be used if operated within six inches of markers, monuments, or tree trunks.
• Fertilizer: The contractor is responsible for supplying only the fertilizer, not spreading it. This is required three times per year.
• Incumbent Contractor: There is no current incumbent grounds maintenance contract. A previously awarded contract (36C78620D0116) had an obligation amount of $3,378,191.
• Edging Flat Markers: String trimmers can be used to edge flat markers, but only with a "Blade Edge" attachment. The contractor must use commercial grade power trimmers and power edgers with a plastic blade attachment for clean edges around headstones, flat markers, monuments, etc., or as otherwise approved by the COR.
• Contractor Staging Area Dimensions: The area provided for contractor use is approximately 42ft wide and 132ft long.
• Cross-Cutting: Cross-cutting is required between headstone columns, perpendicular to headstone rows, and in open areas, performed during each mowing cycle.
• Semi-Improved Grounds Location: The location of the semi-improved grounds area can be found on Page 22 of the PWS.
• Subcontractor Experience: The experience of a subcontractor performing a substantial portion of the work will be considered equal to prime contract experience. For Past Performance Evaluation, the prime contractor is evaluated, and if submitted under a Joint Venture, all parties are evaluated equally.

This amendment extends the offer receipt date. The specific extension is not detailed in this excerpt, but the document indicates the date may be extended. Bidders should acknowledge receipt of this amendment.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines specific requirements and prohibitions 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 sites as final resting places.

• Respect for Headstones and Markers: Contractors 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.
• Damage Prevention: Care must be taken to avoid scratching or damaging markers. Contractors are responsible for replacing any damaged headstones/markers and restoring damaged turf.
• 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 are required to discuss these guidelines with all employees and subcontractors. Each employee must sign a statement of compliance, which must be delivered to the COR before work can commence.

This attachment details critical operational constraints and responsibilities for any contractor performing work at a national cemetery. Bidders must understand and be prepared to adhere to these strict requirements regarding the handling of cemetery grounds, markers, and remains to ensure compliance and avoid potential liabilities.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation, identified by number 36C78626Q50042, is for commercial items and services related to cemetery operations at Fort Logan National Cemetery. The acquisition is set aside for small businesses.

The core services involve comprehensive grounds maintenance, including:

• Mowing, trimming, and edging of improved and unimproved turf areas (approximately 120+ acres).

• Operation of equipment in proximity to monuments, man-made objects, and natural features.

• Trash and debris removal.

• Chemical application (spot and broadcast pesticides).

• String trimming around headstones and flat markers, including removal and replacement of graveside flowers.

• Edging of flat markers.

• Blade edging of curbing, sidewalks, and roads.

• Broadcast and spot pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicide applications.

• Turf fertilizer delivery.

• The contract period of performance spans from April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2031, with multiple one-year ordering periods.

• The guaranteed minimum amount for the life of the contract is $5,000.00.

• The maximum aggregate value of the contract, inclusive of all ordering periods, shall not exceed $8,999,999.99.

• The contract type is contemplated as Firm Fixed Price.

• Offer Due Date: March 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM ET.

• Vendor questions are due by 8:00 AM on March 2, 2026, via email to david.hester@va.gov. Answers will be provided via amendment on SAM.gov by March 6, 2026.

• A site visit is scheduled for February 26, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Public Information Center.

• Quotes must be submitted by registered vendors in SAM.gov.

• Evaluation will be based on Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA).

• Technical/Management Capabilities will be assessed, including contractor and key personnel experience, project management availability, and proposed subcontractors.

• A detailed Performance Plan and Scheduling, Staffing Plan and Equipment list, and Past Performance information (from the last 5 years) are required.

• Offerors must provide all licenses, permits, and insurance information.

• This solicitation is a total small business set-aside.

• Offerors must be registered in SAM.gov.

• Specific clauses related to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) are included, requiring verification and compliance.

• Vendors must complete and sign clause 852.219-76 on pages 32-33 to avoid disqualification.

• Vendors are responsible for monitoring SAM.gov for amendments and ensuring all requirements are addressed in their submission.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Price Schedule for grounds maintenance services at Fort Logan National Cemetery. It outlines the CLINs (Contract Line Item Numbers), estimated quantities, units, and provides spaces for bidders to enter unit costs and total costs for each CLIN across a base year and four option years. Bidders must use this schedule to provide their pricing for the services requested.

• Base Year (Date of Award through March 31, 2027): Includes CLINs for mowing, string trimming, herbicide application, fertilizer delivery, and edging, with estimated quantities and units.
• Option Years 1-4 (April 1, 2027 through March 31, 2031): Similar CLINs and services as the base year, with some variations in estimated quantities for certain tasks.
• Services: Mowing, string trimming (improved and semi-improved turf, headstones, flat markers), blade edging, herbicide applications (pre-emergent, post-emergent, spot treatment), and turf fertilizer delivery.
• Quantities: Estimated acreage for turf maintenance, linear feet for edging, number of headstones/markers, and tons of fertilizer.
• Pricing Fields: Blank fields for Unit Cost and Total Cost for each CLIN, and summary totals for each year and a grand total.

This pricing schedule is critical for bidders to understand the scope and estimated volume of work for each year of the contract. Bidders must accurately complete this schedule with their proposed pricing. The government reserves the right to adjust quantities based on actual needs and weather conditions. Offerors are instructed to enter unit prices, and the total cost will be recomputed if there's a discrepancy. A site visit is strongly recommended before submitting a quote.

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

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for comprehensive grounds maintenance services at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado. The primary goal is to maintain a healthy, aesthetic, clean, neat, and professional appearance of the cemetery grounds, treating it as a National Shrine.

The contractor will be responsible for planning, managing, and executing various grounds maintenance activities. Key services include:

• Mowing: Maintaining all improved grounds to a well-manicured standard, with specific requirements for grass height, uniformity, and mowing patterns. This includes hand-mowing newly seeded/sodded areas.
• Trimming: Meticulously trimming grass and vegetation around headstones, flat markers, monuments, trees, buildings, and other vertical surfaces to match adjacent mowed areas.
• Edging: Performing flat marker blade edging (1-2" deep, max 0.5" wide) and feature edging (0.5-1" wide, 2-3" deep) along streets, curbs, walkways, tree wells, and structures.
• Fertilizer Delivery: Providing and delivering specific granular fertilizer blends (4-0-1 N-P-K analysis) in three discrete deliveries per year (spring, summer, fall) with specified slow-release nitrogen and elemental sulfur content.
• Herbicide Applications: Applying pre- and post-emergent herbicides by a licensed applicator to control broadleaf and grassy weeds in improved turf areas, following strict scheduling, application, and reporting protocols. Rotation of chemical families is required.
• Debris and Trash Removal: Collecting and disposing of all debris and trash generated by the contractor's operations prior to and after mowing/trimming.

Performance will be evaluated based on results, not methods, against minimum acceptable levels defined in the Services Delivery Summary (SDS). Key metrics include maintaining specific grass heights, ensuring areas are free of clippings and debris, proper edging depth/width, and effective weed control. The SDS outlines Acceptable Quality Levels (AQLs) for each service, with remedies for non-compliance such as re-performance or payment deductions.

Services are to be performed at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W. Kenyon Avenue, Denver, CO 80235. The contract includes one base period with up to four one-year option periods.

• Performance-Based: Contractor has flexibility in methods but must meet defined results.
• National Shrine Standards: Strict adherence to PWS and Guidance Specifications is essential.
• Licensed Applicator: Herbicide applications require a Colorado-licensed Commercial Pesticide Applicator with specific endorsements.
• Quality Control: Contractor must develop and maintain a Quality Control Plan (QCP) with a dedicated QC person.
• Reporting: Daily check-ins with COR, submission of daily/weekly work schedules, and weekly progress reports are required.
• Coordination: All work must be coordinated with the COR to avoid disruption of cemetery operations, especially interments and ceremonies.
• Personnel Conduct: Contractor personnel must maintain decorum, reverence, and respect appropriate for a National Shrine.
• Equipment: Commercial-grade equipment is required. All equipment must be cleaned before use at the cemetery to prevent pest/weed introduction.
• Submittals: Various plans (Work Plan, QCP, Fire Safety, Pesticide/Fertilizer Application), licenses, and reports are required at specified times.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Register of Wage Determinations Under the Service Contract Act" for the state of Colorado, specifically for the area encompassing Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, Gilpin, Jefferson, and Park counties. It provides the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations when performing contract work covered by the Service Contract Act.

• Occupational Listings: Details numerous job titles categorized by occupation group (e.g., Administrative Support and Clerical Occupations, Health Occupations, Information Technology Occupations).
• Wage Rates: Specifies the minimum hourly wage rate for each listed occupation.
• Fringe Benefits: Indicates that fringe benefits are required and lists specific health and welfare benefits, including those mandated by Executive Orders (EO 13706 and EO 13658).
• Executive Order Provisions: Includes notes on paid sick leave (EO 13706), minimum wage adjustments (EO 13658), vacation, and paid holidays.
• Conformance Process: Outlines the procedure for requesting authorization of additional classifications and wage rates if a required job classification is not listed.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the labor costs associated with performing the contract. It establishes the minimum wages and benefits that must be paid to employees working on the contract, directly impacting the cost proposal. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages meet or exceed these requirements to be compliant.