Mountain Home National Cemetery Grounds Maintenance Services Solicitation

Amendment / Modification

This amendment to Solicitation 36C78626Q50082 serves to:

• Provide answers to questions posted by prospective vendors. These answers are detailed in an attached document titled "MHNC Ground Maintenance Services Solicitation Questions and Answers 3-6-2026."

• Update Solicitation Provisions and Clauses. These updates are provided in an attached document titled "36C78626Q50082 - Mountain Home National Cemetery Combine Synopsis - 3-6-2026."

• No further questions will be accepted at this time.

• Solicitation Provisions and Clauses have been updated.

• Specific questions and answers related to the solicitation are provided.

• All other terms and conditions of the original solicitation remain unchanged.

• This amendment must be submitted with your proposal.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the Ground Maintenance Services solicitation for Mountain Home National Cemetery (RFQ 36C78626Q50082).

• Incumbent Contractor: Byrd Enterprises Unlimited, Inc.
• Current Contract Value: $622,779.96 (Contract # 36C78621D0082).
• Acreage: Approximately 96 total acres. Irrigated acreage is approximately 15 acres. There are no igloos or bunkers.
• Leaf Removal: Primarily involves mulching leaves in place; removal from the area is not required unless specified.
• Fertilization Acreage: The 128.92 acres mentioned for fertilization refers to improved grounds, but MHNC only has 96 total acres. CLIN 0004 is for fertilizer only; other soil amendments need clarification.
• Artificial Turf: MHNC does not have any artificial turf.
• Mowing: Mowing is performed by cemetery staff, not the contractor.
• Mulch: All mulch provided will be dyed brown shredded pallet mulch. The government supplies this mulch.
• Contractor Yard/Storage: A "barn" (approx. 1,050 sf) on the corner of Peace and Freedom roads will be available for contractor equipment and storage.
• Irrigation Repairs: Non-emergency repairs must be made as soon as possible, not exceeding 5 days, and performed during duty hours unless authorized by the COR.
• Expansion Areas: Contractors should assume all 96 acres are within scope from day one. New expansion areas will be handed over at a later, unconfirmed date.
• Sod/Stone Warranty: Contractor is only responsible for improper installation and damage caused by the contractor.
• Fencing: Contractor is not responsible for areas outside the perimeter fence on the historic side, except for pressure washing the wrought iron fence in the front portion. Boundaries on the annex side were identified during a contractor meeting.
• Sunken Grave Repairs: Contractor supplies sod, seed, and mulch; government supplies soil.
• Road/Sidewalk Blowing: Contractor must blow roads and sidewalks daily, both in the morning and by close of business.
• Trash Receptacles: Contractor is not responsible for emptying receptacles but must pick up litter and remove receptacle liners quarterly.
• Staffing: Minimum staffing requirements may be reduced if approved in writing by the COR during slow months.
• Irrigation System: The irrigation system is expected to be fully operational at the start of the contract, with quick connection ports available, though not all areas may be accessible with a 100 ft hose.

These clarifications address specific questions about scope, deliverables, and responsibilities, potentially impacting how bidders price and plan their proposals. Several questions noted a misalignment between the question and the SOW or CLINs, indicating potential areas for further review by bidders.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services for Complete Grounds Maintenance Services at Mountain Home National Cemetery. It serves as the only solicitation, and quotes are being requested. The acquisition is set-aside for Services Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) under NAICS code 561730, with a business size standard of $9.5 Million.

The scope of work includes Complete Grounds Maintenance Services, which encompasses General Grounds Maintenance, Headstone and Marker Services, Interment Services, and Irrigation and Repair Services. Specific details are provided in the Statement of Work (Attachment A).

• Contract Type: Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract.

• Period of Performance: Base Period plus 4 Option Years if exercised.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but the Business Size Standard is $9.5 Million.

• Submission Deadline: March 18, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST.

• Submission Method: Electronic submission via email to Janice Brooks (Contracting Officer) and cc Larry Curtis (Contracting Specialist).

• Evaluation Factors: Technical and Past Performance are combined and are more important than price. The Government will award to the responsible offeror whose quote is most advantageous, considering price and other factors.

• Key Deadlines:

  • Site Visit: February 27, 2026, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST (not rescheduled).
  • Questions Due: March 2, 2026, 10:00 AM EST.
  • Quotes Due: March 18, 2026, 10:00 AM EST.

• Set-Aside Type: Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).

• Requirements: Quoters must be registered in SAM.gov, complete the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA), and be certified as an SDVOSB or VOSB via the SBA website.

• The solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference, accessible at www.acquisition.gov.

• Quoters are responsible for obtaining all amendments.

• A site visit is strongly urged. Contact information for scheduling is provided.

• The submission requires four volumes: Company Information (A), Technical (B), Past Performance (C), and Pricing (D).

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

This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines the requirements for comprehensive grounds maintenance services at Mountain Home National Cemetery. The primary objective is to maintain the cemetery grounds in a clean, neat, and professional manner, reflecting the nation's respect for veterans.

The contractor will be responsible for a wide range of grounds maintenance tasks, including but not limited to:

• Turf and grounds maintenance (mowing, trimming, edging, overseeding, fertilization, weed control, pest control, sod installation and repair).
• Irrigation system operation, inspection, and maintenance.
• Headstone maintenance (cleaning, pressure washing, raising, realigning, fine-tuning, and replacement).
• Plant material maintenance (trees, shrubs, planting beds).
• Leaf and debris collection and removal.
• Sunken grave and cremation site repair.
• Storm damage and debris clean-up.
• Snow and ice removal.
• Headstone receiving, preparation, transportation, installation, and setting.
• Facilities maintenance, including cleaning of committal shelters, buildings, restrooms, curbs, gates, fencing, and concrete surfaces.
• Floral vase and trash receptacle cleaning.

The contract includes a Base Year (12 months) and four Option Years. The place of performance is Mountain Home National Cemetery, located at 215 Heroes Dr., Mountain Home, TN 37694. The cemetery encompasses approximately 96 acres.

• All work must be performed with special care, reverence, dignity, and respect.

• Work must not interrupt cemetery operations.

• Grounds must be maintained in accordance with NCA Operational Standards and Measures.

• Turf areas must be 95% weed, pest, and disease-free.

• Headstones, markers, and niche covers must be clean and free of debris.

• Specific performance standards are detailed for each task, including timelines for repairs and re-establishment of turf.

• Contractor personnel must be trained and competent.

• A Site Supervisor with at least five years of experience is required.

• Adherence to OSHA standards and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory.

• Contractors must maintain appropriate licenses and insurance.

• A strict code of conduct is expected, emphasizing reverence and professionalism.

• All equipment must be maintained and meet manufacturer specifications.

• Damage to cemetery property, including headstones, must be reported immediately and will be repaired/replaced at the contractor's expense.

• Water for irrigation and cleaning will be supplied by the government; however, contractors must supply hoses.

• Specific application rates and types of fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides are detailed, requiring COR approval and adherence to label instructions.

• A detailed turf maintenance and chemical spray plan must be submitted within 30 days of contract award.

• Soil tests are required periodically to determine fertilizer and lime application needs.

• All work must be performed during normal workdays (8 am - 4:00 pm, Monday-Friday), excluding Federal Holidays, unless otherwise directed by the COR.

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

This Statement of Work (SOW) details the requirements for Grounds Maintenance Services at Mountain Home National Cemetery. The primary objective is to maintain the cemetery grounds in a clean, neat, and professional manner, reflecting the nation's concern and respect for those interred there, in accordance with National Cemetery Administration (NCA) Operational Standards and Measures.

The contractor shall provide comprehensive grounds maintenance services, including but not limited to:

• Turf and Grounds Maintenance: Mowing, weed eating, edging, trash and debris removal, overseeding, irrigation system maintenance, gravesite maintenance (including sunken grave repair), plant and tree maintenance, fertilization, weed control, pest control, and storm debris clean-up.

• Headstone Services: Receiving, preparation, transportation, installation, setting, raising, realigning, and cleaning of headstones and markers.

• Facilities Maintenance: Cleaning of committal shelters, buildings, roadways, walkways, curbs, sidewalks, concrete surfaces, entrance gates, and perimeter fencing.

• Specialized Services: Sod repairs and installation, mulching, tree maintenance, and extreme weather storm damage and debris clean-up.

• All work must be performed with special care, reverence, dignity, and respect.

• Maintenance must adhere to NCA Operational Standards and Measures and the Mountain Home National Cemetery Grounds Maintenance Plan.

• Turf areas must be 95% weed, pest, and disease-free.

• Headstones and markers must be set uniformly and properly aligned.

• All areas must be kept neat, clean, and free of debris at the end of each workday.

• Place of Performance: Mountain Home National Cemetery, 215 Heroes Dr., Mountain Home, TN 37684.

• Period of Performance: Base Year (12 Months) from June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027, with four (4) Option Years.

• Work hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm local time, excluding Federal Holidays.

• Contractor must provide all necessary supervision, labor, equipment, materials, and supplies.

• OSHA-approved personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.

• Contractor must maintain compliance with all applicable safety and environmental regulations.

• Any damage to cemetery property (headstones, fixtures, grounds, equipment) caused by the contractor must be reported immediately and repaired/replaced at the contractor's expense.

• A Site Supervisor with at least five years of grounds maintenance supervisory experience is required.

• Contractor personnel must adhere to a strict code of conduct, showing reverence and professionalism.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services, issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for "Complete Grounds Maintenance Services" at Mountain Home National Cemetery. The acquisition is set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) under NAICS code 561730.

The scope of work includes General Grounds Maintenance, Headstone and Marker Services, Interment Services, and Irrigation and Repair Services. Specific details are provided in the attached Statement of Work (SOW).

• Contract Type: Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)

• Period of Performance: Base period plus 4 option years.

• Estimated Value: Business Size Standard is $9.5 Million.

• Submission Deadline: March 18, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST.

• Submission Method: Electronically via email to Janice.brooks@va.gov and cc larry.curtis@va.gov.

• Evaluation Factors: Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose quote is most advantageous to the Government, considering price and other factors. Technical and Past Performance, when combined, are more important than price.

• Key Deadlines:

  • Site Visits: February 27, 2026, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST (not rescheduled).
  • Questions Due: March 2, 2026, 10:00 AM EST.

• This acquisition is set-aside exclusively for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB).

• Quoters must be registered in SAM.gov and have an active/current registration in the SBA's certification database for SDVOSB/VOSB.

• SDVOSB firms must certify in writing that their firm is performing 50 percent of the work.

• Quoters are responsible for obtaining all amendments or additional information from Sam.gov.

• Site visits are strongly urged and expected.

• The solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference, accessible at www.acquisition.gov.

• Attachments include: Statement of Work, Price Schedule, Past Performance Questionnaire, and Wage Determinations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a pricing schedule for ground maintenance services at Mountain Home National Cemetery. It details the CLINs (Contract Line Item Numbers), descriptions of services, units of issue, estimated quantities, and estimated costs for the base period and four option years.

• Base Period (Jun 2026 - May 2027): Outlines 33 CLINs covering a wide range of grounds maintenance tasks including edging, trimming, debris removal, sod repair, plant bed maintenance, tree care, fertilization, weed and pest control, storm damage cleanup, headstone services (receiving, transport, installation, raising, cleaning), pressure washing of various surfaces and structures, and irrigation system services.
• Option Years (1-4): Repeats the same CLIN structure and services as the base period, indicating potential for contract extension.
• Materials: Some services specify materials to be provided by the government (e.g., sod in Option Year Two, parts and supplies for irrigation).
• Units of Issue: Varies by service, including Each (EA), Month (MO), Square Feet (SQFT), Job (JB), Hour (HR), 15-minute increments, Square Feet (SQ FT), and Yards (YDS).
• Estimated Quantities and Costs: While estimated quantities are provided for many CLINs, the estimated cost per unit and total estimated cost are listed as 0.0 for all CLINs and periods, suggesting this is a template for pricing to be filled in by bidders or that pricing details are elsewhere.

This pricing schedule is crucial for bidders to understand the scope of services required for grounds maintenance at Mountain Home National Cemetery. Bidders must use this document to prepare their pricing proposals, accurately estimating costs for each CLIN based on the described services and quantities. The structure of this schedule will likely dictate the format of the submitted pricing proposal.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Past Performance Questionnaire. It is designed to gather information from offerors about their previous contracts to assess past performance, which is a key evaluation factor for the opportunity.

• Contractor Information: Name, address, telephone number, and email of the offeror.
• Contract Information: Details of previous contracts, including the name of the company/agency served, contract number, type, dollar value, date of award, status (completed/not completed), and whether the offeror was the prime or subcontractor.
• Point of Contact Information: Details of a contact person at the company/agency that was serviced.
• Description of Work: A description of the supply/service provided, its location, and relevancy to the current opportunity.
• Complexity of Product/Service: Information on the complexity of the work performed.
• Percentage of Work: The percentage of work completed by the offeror's company and/or by subcontractors, with an explanation of tasks performed if less than 100%.

Offerors are instructed to list at least three (3) but no more than five (5) relevant contracts performed within the last three (3) years. This questionnaire must be completed and submitted to help the government evaluate the offeror's past performance. National Cemetery Administration (NCA) contracts should be listed first, followed by non-NCA contracts.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Wage Determination issued under the Service Contract Act, establishing minimum wage rates and fringe benefits for various occupations in Carter, Unicoi, and Washington Counties, Tennessee. It serves as a reference for contractors to ensure compliance with labor laws when performing contract work in these areas.

• Lists specific occupational codes and titles.
• Provides the minimum hourly wage rate for each occupation.
• Details required fringe benefits, including Health & Welfare rates.
• Includes notes on Executive Orders 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (Minimum Wage).
• Outlines the process for requesting additional classifications and wage rates (conformance process).

Bidders must review this document to understand the minimum labor costs associated with performing services in the specified geographic area. This information is crucial for accurate cost estimation and proposal development to ensure compliance with federal labor regulations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a General Decision Number (GDN) wage determination for building construction projects in Washington County, Tennessee. It specifies the prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits that must be paid to various laborers and mechanics employed on construction projects covered by the Davis-Bacon Act and related acts.

• General Decision Number: TN20260191
• Publication Date: 01/02/2026
• State: Tennessee
• County: Washington County
• Construction Type: Building Construction Projects (excluding single-family homes or apartments up to 4 stories).
• Classifications: Lists specific job classifications (e.g., Asbestos Worker, Power Equipment Operator, Ironworker, Laborer, Pipefitter, Sheet Metal Worker, Bricklayer, Carpenter, Electrician, Painter, Plumber, Roofer, Welder).
• Wage Rates & Fringes: Provides the prevailing hourly wage rate and fringe benefit rate for each classification.
• Executive Orders: Notes applicability of Executive Order (EO) 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and EO 13658 (Establishing Paid Sick Leave for Federal Contractors).

Bidders must use this wage determination to accurately estimate labor costs for their proposals on federal or federally-assisted construction projects in the specified area. Failure to comply with these wage requirements can lead to contract violations. The document also provides information on how to appeal wage determinations and identifies identifiers used for different types of wage rates (union, survey, state adopted).

Other / Unclassified

This document is NCA Directive 3000, "Operational Standards and Measures for VA National Cemeteries," dated September 19, 2024. It establishes and updates policies and procedures for operational standards and performance measures across all VA national cemeteries. The directive supersedes a previous version from January 4, 2010, and incorporates current organizational structures, roles, and responsibilities.

This directive is relevant to potential bidders as it outlines the operational standards and performance measures that VA national cemeteries are expected to adhere to. These standards may influence requirements for services or products procured by the National Cemetery Administration, particularly in areas such as cemetery operations, maintenance, compliance, and grant-funded cemetery programs. Bidders should be aware that the "NCA Operational Standards and Measures Guidebook," which details these standards, is maintained on the NCA Improvement and Compliance Service's intranet site. The directive also references numerous related publications and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that may be pertinent to specific opportunities.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) titled "Monument Activities" (MHNC-SOP-26-017) for the Mountain Home National Cemetery and Knoxville National Cemetery, dated December 9, 2025. It outlines the procedures for performing monument activities, including ordering, receiving, setting, and maintaining headstones, flat markers, and niche covers.

This SOP details the specific processes and standards the cemetery follows for monument installation and maintenance. While not a solicitation or SOW, it provides critical context for any vendor involved in monument work at these cemeteries. It specifies requirements for:

• Monument Ordering and Receiving: Procedures for ordering through the Burial Operations Support System (BOSS), verifying inscriptions, and inspecting for damage upon delivery.
• Monument Setting: Standards for alignment, height, plumbness, and placement according to the cemetery gravesite layout plan (GLP).
• Quality Control: Verification of installation accuracy, inscription legibility, and adherence to NCA standards.
• Damage and Vandalism: Procedures for reporting and addressing damaged or vandalized monuments, including reordering and temporary markers.
• Record Keeping: Requirements for documenting monument installation and maintenance activities.