Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery Grounds Maint. -- S208

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To maintain the esteemed grounds of Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery (FRNC) in San Diego, CA, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing landscape and honoring those who served the nation.

The contractor shall provide all labor, materials, equipment, and supervision for comprehensive grounds maintenance and improvement services. Key areas include:

• Headstone Services: Setting, raising, lowering, realigning, resetting, and cleaning of upright and flat markers.
• Gravesite Maintenance: Renovation of sunken gravesites (full casket and cremains), weed control, and repair of damage from cemetery operations or pests.
• Turf & Grasses Maintenance: Mowing, trimming, edging, fertilization, pest control, aeration, topdressing, dethatching, and renovation (seeding/sodding).
• Tree, Shrub & Planting Bed Maintenance: Pruning, cultivation, fertilization, weed control, mulching, and pest control for all landscape elements.
• Irrigation System Services: Management, maintenance, and minor repairs of the irrigation system.
• Drainage System Maintenance: Clearing and cleaning of grates, catch basins, culverts, drain lines, and maintenance of related infrastructure.
• Trash & Debris Removal: Collection and removal of all trash, debris, leaves, branches, and floral arrangements from cemetery grounds, receptacles, and gravesites.
• Pavement Sweeping and Cleaning: Regular sweeping and periodic pressure washing of roads, walkways, parking lots, and other paved surfaces.
• Artificial Turf Maintenance: Routine maintenance, cleaning, and rejuvenation of artificial turf areas.
• Structure Cleaning & Light Maintenance: Cleaning and upkeep of columbaria, memorial walls, buildings, signage, lighting, and other site furnishings.
• Ceremonies Assistance: Support with setup, takedown, and storage of government-provided equipment for ceremonies.

• Quality Control program required, with a formal QCP submitted within 30 days of award.

• Services must meet National Cemetery Administration (NCA) Standards.

• Weekly work plans and completed work reports are required.

• Inspections of cemetery facilities are required weekly.

• Period: Twelve (12) month base year plus two (2) twelve-month option years.

• Place: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, 1700 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA 92106.

• Firm Fixed Price, Indefinite Delivery-Indefinite Quantity Contract.

• Services subject to Service Contract Act (SCA) and Construction Services subject to Davis-Bacon Act (DBA).

• Contractor must provide a Site Manager with specific qualifications.

• Strict adherence to security, conduct, and reverence protocols is mandatory.

• Contractor personnel must possess required licenses and certifications (e.g., pesticide applicators).

• Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) will be used by the Government to monitor performance.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment serves to provide the Government's responses to contractor questions. It also includes the following document changes:

• DELETED: PWS-Fort Rosecrans Grounds Maintenance.docx (dated 01/28/2026)

• ADDED: Contractor Questions Government Responses.pdf (dated 03/03/2026)

• ADDED: PWS Grounds Maintenance-Revised 03/03/2026.docx (dated 03/03/2026)

• The PWS document has been revised and replaced.

• A new document containing contractor questions and government responses has been added.

This amendment does not explicitly state a change to proposal deadlines or submission requirements. Bidders should review the "Contractor Questions Government Responses.pdf" and the revised "PWS Grounds Maintenance-Revised 03/03/2026.docx" for any potential impact on their proposals.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to solicitation 36C78626R50071, dated 02/17/2026, serves to post the Government's responses to contractor questions.

• The original PWS titled "PWS-Fort Rosecrans Grounds Maintenance.docx" dated 01/28/2026 has been DELETED.
• A new document titled "Contractor Questions Government Responses.pdf" dated 03/03/2026 has been ADDED.
• A revised PWS titled "PWS Grounds Maintenance-Revised 03 03 2026.docx" dated 03/03/2026 has been ADDED.

This amendment does not extend the hour and date specified for receipt of offers. Bidders must acknowledge receipt of this amendment. If a bidder wishes to change an offer already submitted, it must be done via letter or electronic communication referencing the solicitation and this amendment, and received prior to the opening hour and date.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to questions submitted by potential bidders regarding the Solicitation 36C78626R50071 for Grounds Maintenance Services at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

• Current Contractor & Contract Value: Raven Operations LLC is the current contractor. The IDIQ contract number is 36C78621D0018, with a total value of $6,663,351.00 for the base and four option periods.
• Lay Down Area: The provided lay down area is 300 feet by 70 feet, and all contractor equipment, supplies, and materials must be kept within this area.
• Quantities Updates: Several quantities for CLINs 0001, 0002, and 0003 have been updated in the PWS to align with the Pricing Schedule (CLIN 0001: 500, CLIN 0002: 300, CLIN 0003: 500).
• Headstone Setting: Headstone setting is primarily for replacement (99.9%), with new interments being rare exceptions. Headstones are delivered, engraved, and inspected by the Government, which then delivers them to the contractor.
• Dumpster Responsibility: The contractor is responsible for providing roll-off dumpsters for general trash and demolished headstone disposal.
• Weed-Free Standard: The standard for high-visibility turf areas is 90% weed-free, with 98% being a typo. Gravesites are to be 100% weed-free.
• Aerification and Topdressing: Aerification is required for the entire cemetery. Topdressing is required for all 65.5 acres of cemetery turf.
• Pest Control: Pest control is covered under CLIN 0009 and falls under Category 3: Turf and Grasses Maintenance.
• Technical Plans: All technical plans submitted are for proposal purposes only; the contractor will coordinate with the COR after award to refine and finalize them.

This document clarifies numerous aspects of the Performance Work Statement (PWS), including quantities, responsibilities, and specific task requirements. Several PWS sections and Technical Exhibits have been updated based on these responses, ensuring clarity for bidders on scope, pricing, and execution of services. Bidders should review all updated PWS sections and Technical Exhibits referenced in the responses.

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

To provide non-personal grounds maintenance and improvement services at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery (FRNC) in San Diego, CA. The primary goal is to maintain the cemetery's grounds, burial sections, and memorial sites with care, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing landscape that honors veterans.

The contractor shall provide all personnel, materials, equipment, and supervision for comprehensive grounds maintenance, including:

• Headstone Services: Setting new/replacement, raising/lowering/realigning/resetting, fine-tuned alignment, and cleaning of headstones and markers.
• Gravesite Maintenance: Sunken grave renovation, weed control, and pest control.
• Turf & Grasses Maintenance: Renovation, fertilization, pest control, mowing, trimming, edging, aerification, topdressing, and dethatching.
• Tree, Shrub & Planting Bed Maintenance: Pruning, weed control, pest control, mulching, edging, staking, irrigation, fertilizing, and replacement planting.
• Irrigation System Services: Management, routine maintenance, and minor repairs.
• Drainage System Maintenance: Clearing culverts, drain lines, and managing stormwater systems.
• Trash & Debris Removal: Collection and disposal of general trash, green waste, floral arrangements, and storm debris.
• Pavement Sweeping & Cleaning: Sweeping and pressure washing of roads, sidewalks, and parking lots.
• Artificial Turf Maintenance: Routine cleaning, grooming, infill replenishment, and rejuvenation.
• Structure Cleaning & Light Maintenance: Cleaning of columbaria, memorial walls, entry signs, fences, gates, rostrum, site signage, flag poles, lighting, building exteriors/roofs, gutters, unit pavers, monuments, plaques, and maintenance of fire extinguishers.
• Ceremonies Assistance: Support for set-up, take-down, and storage of government-provided equipment.

Performance will be monitored via a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) with specific thresholds (e.g., 90-100% compliance for most tasks, 98% weed-free in prominent areas, 90% pest elimination). Headstones must maintain alignment for 90 days post-setting. Work must not interfere with cemetery operations or ceremonies.

• Period: A twelve (12) month base year plus two (2) twelve-month option years.

• Place: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, 1700 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA. Normal operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price, Indefinite Delivery-Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), subject to Service Contract Act (SCA) and Davis-Bacon Act (DBA).

• Personnel: Requires a Site Manager (24/7 availability), Superintendent, and Crew Foreman with specified experience. Personnel must adhere to VA standards of conduct and dress.

• Certifications: State-certified pesticide applicators, ISA-certified arborist, IA-certified Irrigation Manager (CIT/CLIA), and qualified monument/plaque cleaning personnel are required.

• Plans & Reports: Contractor must submit a Quality Control Plan (QCP), Grounds Management Plan (GMP), weekly work plans, and various detailed reports (e.g., pesticide application, soil tests, tree assessments, irrigation audits).

• Government Furnished Property: Includes parking/staging area, temporary green waste storage, water, and new/replacement headstones/markers.

• Contractor Furnished Items: All equipment, materials (unless GFE), transportation, permits, communication devices, and a roll-off dumpster for trash/demolished headstones.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for grounds maintenance services at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, CA. The government is procuring non-personal services to ensure grounds maintenance and improvement services are performed. The objective is to maintain the cemetery grounds with care, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing landscape and care for burial sections and memorial sites.

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

• Headstone Services (Setting New & Replacement, Raise & Realignment, Fine Tuning Alignment, Cleaning)

• Gravesite Maintenance (Sunken Grave Renovation)

• Turf & Grasses Maintenance (Renovation, Fertilization, Pest Control, Mowing, Trimming & Edging, Aerification, Topdressing, Dethatching)

• Tree, Shrub & Planting Bed Maintenance (Planting, Irrigation, Fertilizing, Pest Control, Mulching, Edging)

• Irrigation System Services (Management, Maintenance, Minor Repairs)

• Drainage System Maintenance

• Trash & Debris Removal

• Pavement Sweeping and Cleaning

• Artificial Turf Maintenance

• Structure Cleaning & Light Maintenance (Columbaria, Walls, Gates, Signs, Buildings, Monuments, Plaques)

• Ceremonies Assistance

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

• Period of Performance: Twelve (12) month base year plus two (2) twelve-month option years.

• Guaranteed Minimum: $10,000.00

• Maximum Aggregate Value: $7,000,000.00

• Offer Due Date: 03/18/2026, 1:00 PM (PST).

• Proposal Submission: Electronic format only, submitted in two parts (Part I - Price, Part II - Technical).

• Evaluation: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) basis. Offers will be evaluated on price and technical acceptability.

• Site Visit: Scheduled for 02/23/26 at 10:00 AM (PST).

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

• The solicitation includes numerous FAR and VAAR clauses. Offerors must review all clauses and provisions carefully.

• Contractor personnel must adhere to strict standards of conduct and dress, and abide by all security rules and regulations.

• Davis-Bacon Act and Service Contract Act wages apply.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document provides instructions for offerors responding to a competitive solicitation for commercial products and services. It details the requirements for proposal submission and evaluation, emphasizing compliance with all solicitation instructions and amendments.

• Proposals must be submitted in two parts: Part I (Price) and Part II (Technical).

• Part I must include the completed SF 1449 with pricing for all CLINs, acknowledgment of amendments, and contractor information.

• Part II must address all technical evaluation factors, including specific plans for Turfgrass Management, Irrigation Management, Work Plan (including headstone setting, subcontractors, staffing, schedule, equipment, and environmental mitigation), Site-Specific Safety Plan, Contractor Quality Control (CQC) Plan, and Comprehensive Grounds Management Plan (GMP).

• Resumes for key personnel (Site Manager, CQC System Manager, foremen, work leaders) are required, detailing experience, qualifications, certifications, and training.

• California certifications for personnel applying fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides must be provided.

• All documents must be clearly labeled and submitted in the specified format.

• Award will be made to the responsible offeror representing the best value to the Government.

• The acquisition will be conducted using a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) basis of award.

• Offerors must hold prices firm for sixty (60) calendar days from the solicitation closing date.

• Proposals must be submitted electronically via email to roberto.escobedo@va.gov by 03/18/2026, 1:00 PM (PST).

• The subject line must be: 36C78626R50071_Company Name.

• Offers received after the deadline will not be accepted.

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

• Technical acceptability factors include specific plans and documentation as detailed in the addendum to FAR 52.212-2.

• The Government may award without discussions.

• Not specified in this document.

• A site visit is scheduled for 02/23/26 @ 10:00 AM (PST) at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. Notification of attendance is required by 02/20/2026.

• Questions must be submitted in writing via email to roberto.escobedo@va.gov no later than 02/27/2026 @ 1:00 PM (PST).

• Past performance information may be obtained from any available source.

• Offerors are responsible for reviewing all provisions and clauses, including amendments.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Wage Determination from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division. It lists various occupational classifications and their corresponding minimum hourly wage rates and fringe benefits for the area of California County of San Diego. The document is a revision (Revision No. 29) and was last revised on December 3, 2025.

This document is relevant to bidders as it establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits that must be paid to service employees working under a contract covered by the Service Contract Act in the specified geographic area. Bidders must use these rates when calculating their labor costs for proposals to ensure compliance with federal regulations. It also outlines specific notes regarding Executive Orders 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (Minimum Wage), as well as details on vacation, holidays, and the process for requesting additional classifications if needed.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a General Decision Number (GDN) issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division. It specifies prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits for various construction trades in San Diego County, California, applicable to building, heavy, highway, and residential construction projects. The GDN includes rates for trades such as Asbestos Workers, Boilermakers, Bricklayers, Carpenters, Electricians, Ironworkers, Laborers, Painters, Plumbers, Sheet Metal Workers, and Truck Drivers. It also details specific zones with additional pay rates and provides information on premium pay for certain locations and hazardous material work.

This document is crucial for bidders on federal or federally-funded construction projects in San Diego County, California, as it establishes the minimum wage rates that must be paid to laborers and mechanics employed on the project. Bidders must incorporate these wage rates into their cost proposals to ensure compliance with labor standards. Failure to adhere to these prevailing wage rates can result in penalties and debarment. Understanding these rates is essential for accurate bidding and project execution.

Form / Attachment

This document, titled "DIGNITY CLAUSE," outlines mandatory conduct and care requirements for contractor personnel working in national cemeteries. Its purpose is to ensure all actions are performed with reverence and respect for headstones, markers, and the remains of service members, Veterans, and their families.

• Respectful Conduct: All contractor actions must demonstrate special care, reverence, dignity, and respect for the cemetery as a final resting place.
• Awareness: Employees must be aware of remains buried in the work area.
• Prohibited Actions: Personnel are strictly forbidden from walking, standing, leaning, sitting, jumping, or driving on headstones or markers. Tools, equipment, or other items must not be placed or leaned on them.
• Damage Responsibility: The contractor is responsible for replacing any damaged headstones or markers and for restoring turf damaged during work.
• Reporting Requirements: Any exposure or damage to remains, containers for remains (e.g., casket or urn), or outer burial containers must be immediately reported to the COR, Director/Assistant Director, or Contracting Officer (CO).
• Guidance: Any procedural doubts must be brought to the attention of the COR, Director/Assistant Director, or CO for resolution.
• Compliance: Contractors must discuss this guidance with all employees and subcontractors. Each employee must sign a statement of compliance, which must be delivered to the COR before work commences.

Bidders must thoroughly understand and integrate these strict conduct, compliance, and damage responsibility requirements into their operational plans and proposals. This clause emphasizes the need for comprehensive employee training and the administrative requirement for signed compliance statements prior to project initiation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

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

• Guaranteed Minimum Amount: $10,000.00 for the life of the contract.
• Maximum Aggregate Value: $7,000,000.00, inclusive of three one-year ordering periods.

This information is crucial for bidders to understand the potential financial scope of the contract. Bidders should note that the government does not guarantee that orders will exceed the minimum amount.