Houston National Cemetery - Headstone/Flat Marker Setting/Raise and Realign

Amendment / Modification

This amendment to the solicitation (36C78626B50068, dated 01-23-2026) provides:

• Answers to Requests for Information (RFIs).

• The site visit attendance roster.

• A revised Statement of Work (SOW).

• The solicitation itself is amended.

• A revised Statement of Work is attached.

• The deadline for receipt of offers has been extended. The new deadline is 15:00 CST on 02-23-2026.

• Offerors must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the specified deadline.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To honor veterans with a dignified final resting place by providing initial and replacement setting of upright headstones and flat markers, as well as raising and realigning existing upright headstones at Houston National Cemetery.

• Furnish all labor, material, equipment, and supervision to install initial and replacement upright headstones and flat markers.

• Raise, level, reset, realign, backfill, and clean approximately 1,500 existing upright headstones annually.

• Work must be performed within 10 days of headstone delivery.

• Adhere to National Shrine Standards for appearance and operational procedures.

• Set all upright headstones and flat markers within 10 days of receipt.

• Raise, level, reset, realign, backfill, and clean 1,500 existing upright headstones annually.

• Headstones must be set plumb, aligned, and at specified heights.

• All work must meet or exceed contract specifications and drawings.

• Maintain a clean and professional appearance throughout the cemetery.

• Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038.

• Work to be performed during normal cemetery hours (7:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday), unless otherwise directed.

• Contractor must provide a supervisor with at least 5 years of experience.

• Adherence to OSHA and NFPA standards is required.

• Contractor is responsible for all necessary licenses, permits, and insurance.

• Strict adherence to safety and environmental protection measures.

• Contractor must provide all equipment, tools, and materials.

• Maintain a point-of-contact available 24-hours for emergencies.

• Coordinate work to avoid disruption of cemetery operations, interments, and ceremonies.

• Contractor must provide daily and weekly work schedules and reports.

• A warranty period of 365 days for set or raised/realigned headstones and markers.

• Contractor must manage all debris disposal and site cleanup.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Site Visit Attendance Sheet for the "Houston National Cemetery Headstone Setting/Raise and Realign" project. It records the names, companies, and contact information of individuals who attended a site visit.

• Contract #: TBD
• Project Description: Houston National Cemetery Headstone Setting/Raise and Realign
• Date: 02/03/2026
• Time: 13:00 CST
• Attendees: A list of names, company names, and email addresses.
• Phone Numbers: Associated phone numbers for some attendees.

This attendance sheet indicates which companies and individuals were present at the site visit. This can be valuable for bidders to identify potential competitors, partners, or to understand who has direct knowledge of the project site and requirements. The contact information provided may also be useful for networking or seeking further clarification.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains contractor questions and government responses related to the "Houston National Cemetery Headstone/Flat marker Setting and Raise/Realign" project (Solicitation No. 36C78626B50068).

• Fencing Requirement: There is no requirement for a fence around the contractor's storage area. The contractor is responsible for securing this area as they see fit. The cemetery is open to the public from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
• Spoils Disposal: A designated spoils pile is located on the north side of the cemetery and can be used by the contractor for spoils disposal and for filling material needed in setting headstones and flat markers.
• Vehicle Use on Turf: Utility vehicles are authorized for use. The contractor is responsible for any damages to turf and surrounding markers. Paragraph A.1.e of the SOW has been modified to reflect this, and Section 1.4.7 of the Technical Specification has been updated regarding headstone removal and transport.
• Materials: All materials required for services, including crush rock and topsoil, can be pulled from the spoils pile. The contractor is not responsible for supplying the grass pave system.
• Inclement Weather: The phrase "regardless of weather" has been removed from the General Requirements section of the SOW. The contractor is expected to use good judgment, and the COR reserves the right to stop work due to safety issues or workmanship problems caused by soil saturation.
• Minimum Wages: Disregard FAR clause 52.222-55. Bidders should apply only the Davis-Bacon prevailing wage rates from the attached wage determination.
• Pricing Structure: Offerors should propose a lump sum amount for "1 JB" covering all estimated work for the year for CLINs 0001 and 0002. Variations in quantities will be handled in accordance with Special Clause 1: Variation in Quantity. Progress payments will be handled per FAR Clause 52.232-5.

Several sections of the Statement of Work (SOW) and Technical Specifications have been modified based on these Q&As. Bidders must disregard FAR clause 52.222-55 for wage calculations and propose a lump sum pricing structure. The guidance on vehicle use and inclement weather has also been clarified.

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

To honor veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorial by providing services for the initial setting and replacement of upright headstones and flat markers, as well as raising and realigning existing upright headstones at Houston National Cemetery.

• Furnish all labor, material, equipment, and supervision to install initial and replacement upright headstones and flat markers.

• Raise, level, reset, realign, backfill, and clean 1,500 existing upright headstones annually.

• Services to be performed in accordance with contract requirements, technical specifications, and drawings.

• Initial and replacement headstones and flat markers to be set within 10 days of receipt.

• 1,500 upright headstones to be raised and realigned annually within the one-year period of performance.

• Work must meet or exceed National Shrine Standards.

• Specific technical specifications for setting, alignment, backfilling, and compaction are detailed in Attachment 4.

• Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038.

• Work to be performed during normal cemetery hours (7:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday), with potential for work outside normal hours with approval.

• Contractor must obtain all necessary licenses and permits and provide proof of insurance.

• Strict adherence to performance objectives and standards is essential.

• Contractor must protect persons and property from injury or damage.

• A supervisor fluent in English with at least five years of supervisory experience is required on-site.

• Adherence to OSHA standards and safety precautions is mandatory.

• Contractor is responsible for all labor, equipment, tools, supplies, and materials.

• Contractor must maintain a Quality Control Plan (QCP) and adhere to Government's Quality Assurance (QA) procedures.

• Work must not interfere with cemetery operations, interments, or ceremonies.

• Specific requirements for reporting, record keeping, and submittals are detailed.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for construction services at the Houston National Cemetery, specifically for the "Houston National Cemetery Gravesite Headstone Setting/Raise & Realign Project." The work involves setting upright headstones and flat markers, as well as raising, leveling, resetting, backfilling, and cleaning existing upright headstones. The estimated magnitude of construction is between $1,000,000 and $2,000,000 over the total performance period (base and options).

• Setting of upright headstones and flat markers within 10 days of receipt, per technical specifications and National Shrine Standards. Estimated at 2,400 annually.

• Raising, leveling, resetting, backfilling, and cleaning of existing upright headstones. Estimated at 1,500 annually.

• Work must be performed with special care, reverence, dignity, and respect for the cemetery environment.

• NAICS Code: 238990

• Small business size standard: $19,000,000

• Contract type: Firm-Fixed-Price

• Period of Performance: Base year plus four option years.

• Estimated value: $1,000,000 - $2,000,000

• Proposal submission deadline: February 23, 2026, by 15:00 CST.

• Site visit: February 3, 2026, at 13:00 CST.

• Bid Opening: Teleconference details provided (Call-in Number: 1-872-701-0185, Passcode: 968677170).

• Evaluation criteria: Not explicitly detailed in the provided sections, but will consider price and price-related factors.

• Offer acceptance period: 60 calendar days.

• This procurement is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-aside.

• The Statement of Work is provided as an attachment.

• Wage determination is provided as an attachment.

• Offerors must acknowledge all amendments.

• A bid guarantee is required (20% of bid price or $3,000,000, whichever is less).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, Standard Form 1413 (Rev. 10/2023), is a "Statement And Acknowledgment" used to document subcontracting information. It is required for prime contractors to complete when awarding subcontracts.

• Part I - Statement Of Prime Contractor: Collects details about the prime contract, the subcontractor, the awarded subcontract, and the description of work performed by the subcontractor.
• Part II - Acknowledgment Of Subcontractor: Requires the subcontractor to acknowledge that specific labor standards clauses from the prime contract are included in their subcontract. These clauses cover areas such as overtime compensation, payroll records, wage rates, apprentices, and debarment.
• Fields include prime contract number, subcontract number, names and addresses of prime and subcontractors, project details, and signing information.

Bidders may be required to complete or review this form as part of their proposal submission or contract award process, particularly if the opportunity involves subcontracting. It ensures compliance with labor standards and provides a record of subcontracting relationships.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a General Decision Number (GDN) wage determination for building construction projects in Harris County, Texas. It specifies the prevailing hourly wage rates and fringe benefits for various construction trades, as required by the Davis-Bacon Act for federal contracts.

• General Decision Number: TX20260253
• Effective Date: 01/02/2026
• Geographic Area: Harris County, Texas
• Construction Type: Building Construction Projects (excluding single-family homes or apartments up to 4 stories).
• Trades Covered: Includes rates for Asbestos Worker, Boilermaker, Carpenter, Electrician, Elevator Mechanic, Power Equipment Operator, Ironworker, Glazier, Plasterer, Plumber, Pipefitter, Sprinkler Fitter, Sheet Metal Worker, Acoustical Ceiling Mechanic, Bricklayer, Caulker, Cement Mason, Drywall Finisher/Taper, Drywall Hanger, Floor Layer, Form Worker, Insulator, Laborer (various types), Lather, Operator (various types), Painter, Roofer, Tile Finisher, Tile Setter, Truck Driver (various types), Waterproofer, and Welder.
• Footnotes: Details on paid sick leave (EO 13706) and minimum wage requirements (EO 13658) for federal contractors are included.

Bidders must use these prevailing wage rates to determine the minimum wages they must pay laborers and mechanics employed on the federal construction contract. Failure to comply with these wage requirements can result in contract violations. The document also outlines the process for appealing wage determinations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "Employee Rights Under the Davis-Bacon Act" poster, which must be posted on federal or federally assisted construction projects. It informs laborers and mechanics of their rights regarding prevailing wages, overtime pay, and enforcement of these regulations.

• Prevailing Wages: Mandates payment of wages listed in the Davis-Bacon Wage Decision.
• Overtime: Requires payment of at least one and one-half times the basic rate for hours worked over 40 in a work week, with limited exceptions.
• Enforcement: Outlines that contract payments can be withheld, liquidated damages may apply, and contract termination or debarment are possible for violations. Falsification or kickbacks can lead to prosecution.
• Apprentices: States that apprentice rates apply only to registered apprentices.
• Proper Pay Contact: Provides contact information for Daniel P. Kinney, Contract Specialist at the Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, for inquiries about proper pay or applicable wages. It also directs individuals to contact the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division.

Bidders on federal or federally assisted construction projects must ensure compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act. This poster serves as a notification of these requirements to all laborers and mechanics employed on the project. Understanding these rights is crucial for ensuring fair labor practices and avoiding potential contractual issues related to wage and hour compliance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division's optional Payroll Form (WH-347). It is intended for contractors and subcontractors to record weekly payroll information for laborers and mechanics working on Federally financed or assisted construction contracts. While optional for contractor use, the information collected is mandatory under the Copeland Act and DOL regulations (29 C.F.R. § 5.5(a)(3)(ii)) for compliance with prevailing wage requirements.

• Contractor/Subcontractor Name and Address
• Project and Contract Number
• Worker Identification (e.g., last four digits of SSN)
• Work Classification
• Hours Worked (daily and total)
• Rate of Pay
• Gross Amount Earned
• Withholding Tax and FICA Deductions
• Other Deductions
• Net Wages Paid
• Information on fringe benefits paid directly or to approved plans/funds
• Statement of Compliance regarding wages paid, deductions, and apprentice registration.

Bidders may be required to use this form or a similar one to report payroll information if they are awarded a contract that falls under the Davis-Bacon Act or related acts. Understanding this form is crucial for ensuring compliance with wage and hour laws, which is often a requirement in government contracts. It highlights the importance of accurate record-keeping and adherence to minimum wage and fringe benefit requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Price/Cost Schedule intended for bidders to provide their pricing for the services outlined in the solicitation. It details the specific line items for which costs need to be submitted.

• Item Number: Unique identifier for each service line item.
• Description of Supplies/Services: Details the specific tasks, such as "Initial and Replacement Upright Headstone and Flat Marker Setting" and "Raise and Realign Upright Headstones."
• Quantity: Estimated annual quantities for each service.
• Unit: Unit of measure (e.g., JB - Job).
• Unit Price: Field for bidders to enter their price per unit.
• Amount: Field for bidders to calculate the total amount for each line item.
• Contract Period: Specifies the contract period (Base, Option 1, Option 2, Option 3, Option 4) and the corresponding Period of Performance (POP) start and end dates.

Bidders are expected to fill in the "Unit Price" and "Amount" fields for each line item. The schedule covers a base year and four option years, with specific estimated annual quantities for headstone setting and raising/realigning.

This pricing sheet is critical for bidders to understand the cost structure of the contract and to prepare their competitive bids. It outlines the specific services and estimated volumes for which pricing is required, directly impacting proposal development and evaluation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is VAAR 852.219-75, a "VA NOTICE OF LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING—CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION (JAN 2023) (DEVIATION)". It requires offerors to certify their compliance with subcontracting limitations if awarded a contract.

• Services: Offerors must certify they will not pay more than 50% of the contract amount to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs or VOSBs.
• General Construction: Offerors must certify they will not pay more than 85% of the contract amount to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs or VOSBs.
• Special Trade Construction Contractors: Offerors must certify they will not pay more than 75% of the contract amount to firms that are not certified SDVOSBs or VOSBs.
• Certification Acknowledgement: Offerors acknowledge that false certifications are subject to penalties under Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001.
• Cooperation: Offerors agree to provide documentation to VA to demonstrate compliance upon request.
• Required Completion: The certification must be completed, signed, and returned with the offer. Failure to provide it will result in the offer being deemed ineligible for award.

Bidders must carefully review the subcontracting limitations applicable to the contract type (services, general construction, or special trade construction) and complete this certification accurately. This is a mandatory requirement for proposal submission and contract award. Failure to comply will lead to disqualification.