Grounds Maintenance Services - Kerrville National Cemetery

Amendment / Modification

This amendment to Solicitation 36C78626050057 serves the following purposes:

• Adds the attachment "RFQ 36C78626050057 Questions and Answers".

• Extends the closing date for offers to Friday, February 13, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST.

• The closing date for receipt of offers has been extended.

• A new attachment containing Questions and Answers has been added.

• The deadline for submitting proposals or quotes has been moved to February 13, 2026.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding RFQ 36C78626Q50057, clarifying requirements related to small business certifications.

• SDVOSB/VOSB Performance Standards: A vendor inquired about apparent inconsistencies between the 51% work performance requirement for Veterans First small businesses stated on page 3 and the VAAR clause 852.219-73, which limits payments to non-VIP listed SDVOSBs to 50% of the contract value. The government clarified that these requirements are not inconsistent. Public Law 116-183 mandates self-certification by the offeror, while VAAR clause 852.219-73 establishes criteria for SDVOSB consideration. Both clauses are applicable and not mutually exclusive.

No impact on solicitation requirements or due dates was indicated. The clarification confirms the applicability of both the statutory self-certification requirement and the VAAR clause regarding payment limitations for SDVOSBs.

Amendment / Modification

• The Site Visit attendance date has been changed to Thursday, January 22, 2026.

• Attendance at the Site Visit is now optional and no longer required for offer consideration.

• Item 14: Description of Amendment/Modification

• The Site Visit date has been updated.

• The requirement for attendance at the Site Visit has been removed, making it optional.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination (No. 2015-5293, Revision 31) for the Service Contract Act, applicable to the Texas counties of Gillespie and Kerr. It lists various occupational classifications with their corresponding minimum hourly wage rates and required fringe benefits.

This wage determination is crucial for potential bidders on government contracts in the specified Texas counties that are subject to the Service Contract Act. It outlines the minimum wage and benefit standards that must be met for various job roles, directly impacting labor costs and proposal pricing. Key information includes:

• Occupational Wage Rates: A comprehensive list of job titles and their minimum hourly pay.
• Fringe Benefits: Details on Health & Welfare ($5.55/hour or $222.00/week), Paid Sick Leave (EO 13706 - $5.09/hour or $203.60/week), Vacation (2-4 weeks based on service), and Holidays (11 paid holidays).
• Executive Orders: Applicability of EO 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and EO 13658 (minimum wage adjustments for 2025, $13.30/hour or higher if listed on the determination).
• Specialized Pay: Information on night pay, Sunday premium, and hazardous pay differentials for specific roles.
• Uniform Allowance: Guidance on contractor responsibilities for uniform costs and maintenance.
• Conformance Process: Procedures for classifying and determining wages for occupations not explicitly listed in this determination using Standard Form 1444 (SF-1444).

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

This document outlines the requirements for grounds maintenance services at the Kerrville National Cemetery, encompassing headstone maintenance, turf management, tree care, irrigation, and general grounds upkeep.

• Headstone Maintenance & Cleaning: Cleaning headstones to remove debris and discoloration, and fine-tuning alignment to ensure they are plumb and properly set.

• Turf Maintenance: Fertilization, pest control (weeds, insects, diseases), aeration, dethatching, mowing, trimming, and edging to maintain a healthy, 95% weed-free turf.

• Lawn Maintenance (Sodding/Seeding): Preparation and installation of sod or seed in disturbed or dead turf areas.

• Tree Maintenance: Pruning, watering, fertilization, mulching, and removal of dead branches to maintain trees in a healthy and safe condition.

• Irrigation Maintenance: Operation, repair, and seasonal management of the cemetery's irrigation system to ensure adequate watering for turf and vegetation.

• Trash and Debris Removal: Daily collection and disposal of trash, debris, and fallen limbs from developed areas and ditches.

• Floral Arrangement Removal: Monthly removal and disposal of floral arrangements and grave decorations.

• Turf must be 95% weed-free and maintained at specified heights.

• Headstones must be cleaned and aligned to specific standards (e.g., plumb within one degree, aligned within 1/8 inch).

• Pest and disease control must meet specified thresholds.

• Application of fertilizers and pesticides must adhere to approved plans and regulations.

• Reporting requirements for applications and incidents are detailed.

• Services are to be performed at the Kerrville National Cemetery.

• Specific timelines are provided for seasonal tasks like irrigation charging (March 1 - March 31) and winterizing (by November 30), and for tasks like headstone cleaning (prior to Memorial Day and Veteran's Day).

• Licensed applicators are required for pesticide and herbicide applications.

• A Certified Arborist is required for tree pruning operations.

• Compliance with all Federal, State, and County laws and regulations is mandatory.

• Contractors must report any damage caused during performance and are responsible for repairs or replacement costs.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for Grounds Maintenance Services at Kerrville National Cemetery. The National Cemetery Administration intends to award a single award indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract.

• Grounds maintenance services as detailed in Attachment A – Performance Work Statement.

• Services include landscaping and groundskeeping.

• Offerors must provide a capabilities statement, supervisor resume, equipment list, and applicator license (if applicable).

• Hazardous Material Identification and Material Safety Data (FAR Clause 52.223-3) must be submitted if applicable.

• Contract Type: IDIQ

• Period of Performance: Base (1 April 2026 - 31 March 2027) with four (4) one-year option periods.

• Estimated Value: Guaranteed minimum of $5,000.00; maximum aggregate value not to exceed $500,000.00.

• Quotes are due by 12:00 PM EST on February 6, 2026.

• Award will be made on a Lowest-Priced, Technically Acceptable (LPTA) basis.

• Technical Capability, Past Performance, and Price are evaluation factors.

• Site visits are mandatory: January 21-22, 2026, at 9 AM local time.

• Questions are due via email by January 26, 2026, 12:00 PM EST to brian.werner2@va.gov.

• 100% Set Aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).

• Offerors must be registered in SAM.gov and complete the ORCA.

• SDVOSBs must be verified and listed in VA's Vendor Information Pages (VIP) database.

• Offerors claiming SDVOSB/VOSB status must certify compliance with Public Law 116-183 (performing 51% of the work).

• Attachments include: Performance Work Statement, Attachments to PWS, Price Schedule, and Labor Wage Determination.

• Offerors must submit quotes in two separate PDF documents: Volume A (Company Information) and Volume B (Pricing).

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

To provide comprehensive grounds maintenance services for the Kerrville National Cemetery in Kerrville, TX, ensuring it is maintained as a dignified and respectful National Shrine.

• Grounds Maintenance: Regular mowing, weed eating, trimming, leaf and debris removal, fertilization, pesticide applications, sweeping/blowing roads, irrigation system maintenance, turf maintenance, and tree maintenance.

• Gravesite and Headstone Care: Maintenance of gravesites and headstones, including realignment and washing of approximately 463 headstones.

• Debris Removal: Daily removal of all debris generated by the contractor's work.

• Hazardous Substance Management: Safe handling, storage, and transfer of any hazardous substances used, in compliance with OSHA, EPA, and DOT regulations.

• Maintain healthy grass and trees.

• Ensure a groomed, clean, neat, and professional appearance of the cemetery grounds.

• Adherence to Minimum Acceptable Levels (MAL) outlined in the "Performance Work Summary Plan" (Attachment B).

• Contractor must submit a detailed performance plan and weekly inspection reports/checklists.

• Place: Kerrville National Cemetery, Kerrville, TX.

• Period: Not explicitly stated in this document excerpt, but implies ongoing service.

• Personnel: Contractor employees must adhere to strict standards of dress and conduct, including proper reverence during services. A supervisor with at least five years of direct grounds maintenance experience is required on-site at all times. The supervisor must speak and write fluent English. Site supervisor/foreman must hold a 10-hour OSHA certification.

• Safety: Compliance with all OSHA, EPA, DOT, NFPA, and VA safety regulations. Adequate warning devices, barricades, and dust control measures are required. Spill prevention and clean-up procedures must be followed.

• Facilities: Contractor is responsible for all personnel, equipment, tools, supervision, and other necessary items. No government facilities (storage, restrooms, electricity, water, phone) will be provided. Contractor must provide their own water and electricity via portable generators or tanks.

• Reporting: Weekly submission of work schedules and progress reports to the COR. Daily coordination meetings may be required.

• Historic Preservation: Immediate stop-work and notification to COR if archeological, historical, or cultural resources are discovered.

• Accidental Discovery of Remains: Immediate notification to authorities and steps to protect remains if exposed or damaged.

• Work Hours: Primarily Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Work outside these hours or on weekends/holidays may be required and must be coordinated with the COR. Special event setup during Memorial Day weekend and interment services during holidays are required.

• Insurance: Contractor must obtain all necessary licenses, permits, and insurance (liability, workman's compensation).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a price schedule for grounds maintenance services at Kerrville. It outlines the various tasks, quantities, units, and pricing periods for the services required.

• Grounds Maintenance: Includes improved turf (Tif419 Bermudagrass) and unimproved maintenance.
• Tree Pruning: Options for large and developmental tree pruning.
• Soil Amendments: Specified quantities for soil amendments.
• Pest and Disease Control: Options for turf insect and disease control.
• Headstone Services: Includes headstone cleaning and fine-tune alignment.
• Irrigation: Maintenance and repair services for irrigation systems.
• Period of Performance: The schedule covers a base year (04/01/2026 - 03/31/2027) and four option years, extending through 03/31/2031.
• Pricing: All unit prices and net totals are listed as 0.0, indicating that pricing details are to be filled in by the bidder or are provided elsewhere.

This pricing sheet is crucial for bidders to understand the scope of services and the structure for submitting their price proposals. Bidders must use this document to detail their proposed costs for each line item and option period. The zero values indicate that this is likely a template for bidders to complete with their own pricing.