Fort Stevens National Cemetery Grounds Maintenance

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This PWS outlines the requirements for comprehensive grounds maintenance and improvement services at Ft Stevens National Cemetery (FSNC) in Hammond, Oregon. The primary objective is to maintain the cemetery's grounds with care, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing landscape and honoring veterans.

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

• Interment and Disinterment Services

• Headstone Services (setting, raising, realigning, cleaning)

• Gravesite Maintenance (including sunken grave renovation)

• Turf and Grasses Maintenance (mowing, fertilization, pest control, renovation, aerification, topdressing, dethatching)

• Irrigation System Services (management, maintenance, minor repairs)

• Trash & Debris Removal

• Pavement Sweeping and Cleaning

• Ice Prevention / Snow and Ice Removal

• Structure Cleaning & Light Maintenance

• Ceremonies Assistance

• Contractor must develop and maintain a Quality Control Program.

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

• Specific performance standards are detailed for each task area, focusing on quality, timeliness, and adherence to cemetery standards.

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

• Place of Performance: Ft Stevens National Cemetery, 1198 Russell Drive, Hammond, Oregon.

• Contract type: Hybrid fixed-price IDIQ.

• Contractor personnel must possess required licenses and certifications.

• Strict adherence to security, conduct, and reverence standards is required.

• A Site Manager with specific experience and qualifications must be provided.

• Quality Control Plan (QCP) and Grounds Management Plan (GMP) are required deliverables.

• Contractor must provide all necessary equipment and supplies, unless otherwise specified (e.g., water is provided).

Other / Unclassified

This document, "NCA Shrine Operational Standards and Measures, Version 5.1" (July 2014), outlines the National Cemetery Administration's (NCA) performance standards for key operational areas within national cemeteries. These areas include interment operations, grounds maintenance, headstone/marker/niche cover operations, and equipment maintenance.

This document establishes the standards and measures by which the NCA evaluates the performance of its operations. While not a solicitation itself, it details the expected quality and performance criteria for services related to cemetery operations. Bidders interested in opportunities involving cemetery maintenance, groundskeeping, interment services, or headstone/marker installation and maintenance should review these standards to understand the government's requirements and expectations for successful contract performance. The document specifies targets and measures for various aspects of cemetery upkeep, ensuring a consistent and dignified environment for national shrines.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination (No. 2015-5577, Revision No. 29) for service contracts in the Oregon Counties of Clatsop and Tillamook. It outlines the minimum hourly wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations. The document specifies rates for a wide range of job categories, from administrative support and clerical to technical and maintenance roles.

This wage determination is crucial for any bidder on a Service Contract Act (SCA) covered contract in the specified geographic area. It establishes the minimum compensation that must be paid to employees performing work on the contract. Key details include:

• Occupational Wage Rates: A comprehensive list of job titles with their corresponding minimum hourly wages.
• Fringe Benefits: Mandated fringe benefits, including Health & Welfare ($5.55/hour or $222.00/week) and specific provisions for Executive Order (EO) 13706 ($5.09/hour or $203.60/week).
• Vacation and Holidays: Specifies paid vacation (2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 5 years, 4 weeks after 15 years) and a minimum of eleven paid holidays per year.
• Executive Orders: Notes the applicability of EO 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and EO 13658 (Minimum Wage), with specific rates and conditions.
• Hazardous Pay: Details differentials for working with ordnance, explosives, and incendiary materials (8% for high hazard, 4% for low hazard).
• Uniform Allowance: Outlines requirements for uniform provision and maintenance reimbursement ($3.35/week).
• Conformance Process: Explains the procedure (using Standard Form 1444) for classifying and determining wages for occupations not listed in this determination.

Bidders must ensure their proposed pricing accounts for these minimum wage and benefit requirements to comply with the Service Contract Act.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document provides addenda to FAR 52.212-1 (Instructions to Offerors) and FAR 52.212-2 (Evaluation) for a solicitation concerning commercial items. It details proposal submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and the basis for award for grounds maintenance services at Fort Stevens National Cemetery.

Proposals must be submitted in three volumes:

• Volume I – Price Proposal: Completed CLIN price schedule with summaries.

• Volume II – Technical Proposal: Must be site-specific to Fort Stevens National Cemetery and address six subfactors:

  1. Turfgrass Management Plan
  2. Work Plan, Staffing Plan, Subcontractors, Equipment, Schedule
  3. Safety Plan
  4. Quality Control Plan
  5. Grounds Management Plan (GMP) including a draft schedule of applications/treatments
  6. Site-Specific Requirement – Sandy Soil Conditions (including a step-by-step operations sequence for a representative activity).

• Volume III – Past Performance: Minimum of three references within the last three years, including a completed Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) for each.

• Submission: Proposals are due in three volumes as detailed above.

• Evaluation: A tiered comparative analysis approach will be used, prioritizing socioeconomic categories (SDVOSB, VOSB, Small Business, Other Small Business). Proposals will be evaluated on:

  1. Technical Requirements (Pass/Fail): Must be site-specific, detailed, and not conflict with the PWS.
  2. Past Performance: Evaluated on recency, relevance, and quality (primary driver).
  3. Price: Evaluated for reasonableness and cost-effectiveness.

Award will be made using a best value comparative analysis approach. Proposals must pass technical requirements. Past Performance and Price are equal in importance. The government will select the proposal representing the best overall value, not necessarily the lowest priced.

Evaluation will prioritize socioeconomic tiers: SDVOSB concerns, VOSB concerns, Small Business concerns (HUBZone, 8(a), EDWOSB, and WOSB), and Other Small Business concerns.

Failure to comply with instructions may result in quotation unacceptability. Generic or boilerplate proposals may be rated Fail. Past performance quality is the primary driver for confidence assessment.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document provides administrative guidance for offerors responding to an upcoming solicitation. It outlines key procedural information and deadlines critical for potential bidders.

• Site Visit: Scheduled for 05/13/26 at 1000 PST. Vendors must report to the Administration Building upon arrival and be on time. Attendance is strongly encouraged for a full understanding of requirements. No additional site visits will be scheduled.
• Vendor Questions: All questions must be submitted via email to the Contracting Officer by 05/17/26 at 1600 PST. Answers will be provided via amendment on SAM.gov.
• Late Quotes: Late quotes will not be accepted. Ensure complete submission before the closing date and time.
• SAM Registration: Active SAM.gov registration is mandatory at the time of quote submission and award. Inactive registrations will result in rejection.
• Amendments: Vendors are responsible for monitoring SAM.gov for all amendments and must acknowledge or comply with them to avoid non-responsiveness.
• Solicitation Review: Bidders must read the entire solicitation, including all attachments and amendments, before submitting a quote. Ensure all requirements are addressed.
• Award Process: The Government intends to make an award without discussions but reserves the right to conduct them if necessary.
• Quote Completeness: The Government will only evaluate submitted information. Provide complete, accurate, and detailed responses to all requirements. Incomplete submissions may lead to disqualification.

Other / Unclassified

This document outlines the "Dignity Clause" which mandates specific conduct for contractor personnel working within national cemeteries. It emphasizes the need for extreme care, reverence, dignity, and respect when performing any actions at these sites, acknowledging them as final resting places.

• Respect for Gravesites: Contractors must not walk, stand, lean, sit, jump on, or drive over headstones or markers. Tools, equipment, or other items must not be placed or leaned on headstones or markers.
• Damage Prevention: Care must be taken to avoid scratching or damaging markers in any manner.
• Responsibility for Damage: Contractors are responsible for replacing any damaged headstones and markers and for restoring any 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).
• Guidance Seeking: Any doubts regarding proper procedures must be brought to the attention of the COR, Director/Assistant Director, or CO for guidance.
• Employee Compliance: Contractors are required to 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 can commence.

This clause is critical for any bidder whose work may involve or occur within a national cemetery. It highlights significant operational constraints and responsibilities related to site conduct and the preservation of the cemetery environment. Failure to comply can result in liability for damages and requires immediate reporting of any incidents involving remains or grave markers. Bidders must ensure their proposed approach and personnel training address these stringent requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) intended for use by evaluators to assess a contractor's past performance on similar projects. Bidders should ensure their references are prepared to complete this form accurately and promptly.

• Basic Information: Contractor Name, Project/Contract, Period of Performance, Customer/Agency, and the name/title of the person completing the questionnaire.
• Current Requirement Snapshot: Details the specific characteristics of the Fort Stevens National Cemetery grounds maintenance services, including site size, irrigated turf area, and a list of included services (e.g., interment support, headstone services, turf maintenance, snow removal, ceremonial support). It emphasizes that relevance is based on precision, coordination, burial-related work, restoration, and appearance standards, rather than just acreage.
• Relevance: Evaluates how similar the contractor's past work was to the current requirement, with options ranging from 'Very Relevant' to 'Not Relevant'.
• Performance Quality: Assesses overall performance (Excellent to Unsatisfactory) and identifies specific issues encountered (e.g., missed schedules, quality problems, safety concerns).
• Confidence: Gauges the evaluator's confidence in the contractor's ability to perform the current requirement successfully and whether they would hire the contractor again.
• Signature: Section for the evaluator's name, title, and date.

This questionnaire is crucial for bidders as it outlines the specific criteria the government will use to evaluate their past performance. Understanding the detailed description of the Fort Stevens National Cemetery requirement and the performance aspects being assessed will help bidders select appropriate references and prepare them to provide relevant and positive feedback. The emphasis on precision, coordination, and specific cemetery-related tasks highlights key areas bidders should focus on demonstrating in their past performance narratives.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for Grounds Maintenance Services at Fort Stevens National Cemetery. The government is procuring these services to maintain the cemetery grounds.

The solicitation outlines various grounds maintenance services, including but not limited to:

• Interments (Traditional Full Casket, Inground Cremains Inurnment)

• Disinterments

• Repositioning of Caskets

• Interment Service Assistance

• Upright Headstone Setting, Raising/Lowering/Realigning, Fine Tuning Alignment

• Headstone Cleaning and Maintenance

• Gravesite Maintenance

• Turf and Grasses Maintenance

• Pest Control

• Irrigation Management

• Trash and Debris Removal

• Pavement Sweeping and Cleaning

• Ice Prevention and Snow Removal

• Structure Cleaning and Light Maintenance

• Ceremonies Assistance

• The contract is for commercial products and commercial services.

• The solicitation number is 36C78626Q50165.

• The offer due date is May 21, 2026, at 16:30 local time.

• The period of performance for the base year is July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. Option periods extend through June 30, 2031.

• The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code is 561730 (Landscaping Services) with a size standard of $9.5 Million.

• Offers are due by May 21, 2026, at 16:30 local time.

• The solicitation is set aside for small businesses.

• Evaluation factors will include technical capability, past performance, and price, with technical and past performance being more important than price.

• This solicitation is set aside for small businesses.

• The document includes numerous FAR and VAAR clauses and provisions related to contract terms, labor standards, small business concerns, and other requirements.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a General Decision Number (GDN) for Oregon, specifically for building construction projects in Clatsop, Lincoln, and Tillamook Counties. It outlines the prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits for various construction trades, effective as of the dates listed within the document (ranging from 2023 to 2026).

Key trades and their prevailing rates (as of their latest effective dates) include:

• Heat & Frost Insulator: $62.02/hr + $22.36 fringes
• Bricklayer: $49.60/hr + $25.15 fringes
• Carpenter: $52.62/hr + $16.81 fringes
• Electrician: $50.03/hr + $24.00 fringes
• Operator (Backhoe/Excavator/Trackhoe): $54.75/hr + $16.90 fringes
• Operator (Crane 50-89 Ton): $53.60/hr + $16.90 fringes
• Laborer (Mason Tender - Cement/Concrete): $43.79/hr + $17.05 fringes
• Laborer (Common or General): $39.11/hr + $17.30 fringes
• Laborer (Hod Carrier): $43.79/hr + $17.05 fringes
• Laborer (Pipelayer): $40.41/hr + $17.30 fringes
• Cement Mason/Concrete Finisher: $46.13/hr + $20.31 fringes
• Plumber: $60.77/hr + $34.72 fringes
• Sheet Metal Worker: $54.99/hr + $33.92 fringes
• Ironworker: $36.71/hr + $28.16 fringes

The document also provides information on Executive Orders (EO) 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (Minimum Wage), detailing contractor obligations regarding paid sick leave and minimum hourly wages for federal contractors. It explains the different identifiers used for wage rates (Union, Union Average, Survey, State Adopted) and outlines the process for appealing wage determination decisions.

This document is crucial for bidders on construction projects in Clatsop, Lincoln, and Tillamook Counties, Oregon, that are subject to the Davis-Bacon Act. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits that must be paid to various laborers and mechanics employed on such projects. Bidders must ensure their proposals account for these prevailing wage requirements and that their proposed labor costs align with this determination. It also informs bidders about their obligations under relevant Executive Orders concerning paid sick leave and minimum wage.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

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

• Guaranteed Minimum Amount: $10,000.00 for the life of the contract.
• Maximum Aggregate Value: $1,400,000.00, 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. Bidders should consider these values when assessing the opportunity's scale and potential revenue.