Sources Sought--Grounds Upkeep for Grafton National Cemetery -- S208

Quick Summary

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), National Cemetery Administration, is soliciting proposals for Grounds Upkeep Services at Grafton National Cemetery, WV. This Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Set-Aside is for a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) to provide comprehensive grounds maintenance. Proposals are due February 23, 2026, by 12:00 PM EST.

Scope of Work

The contractor will provide comprehensive grounds maintenance services, ensuring the cemetery is maintained as a national shrine with utmost care and dignity. Key services include:

• Lawn Maintenance: Mowing, trimming, and edging approximately 3 acres of turf, maintaining specific grass heights (3" cooler months, 4" warmer months), and ensuring clean cuts around headstones, markers, and trees.
• General Grounds Clean-up: Collection and removal of all trash, dead flowers, tree limbs (under 10" diameter), leaves, and other debris from all cemetery grounds, including emptying trash receptacles and cleaning drainage ditches.
• Snow & Ice Removal: Clearing snow (when exceeding 1" depth) and ice from driveways, walkways, steps, and designated surrounding areas, including paths for interments during the snow season.
• Adherence to NCA standards for turf maintenance (e.g., 95% visually prominent turf within one inch of recommended height) and debris-free grounds.

Contract Details

• Contract Type: Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)
• Period of Performance: A base year (approx. April 5, 2026 – April 4, 2027) plus four option years, extending through April 4, 2031 if all options are exercised.
• Place of Performance: Grafton National Cemetery, Grafton, WV 26354.
• Product/Service Code: S208 (Landscaping/Groundskeeping Services)
• NAICS Code: 561730 (Landscaping Services) with a size standard of $9.5 million.

Set-Aside & Eligibility

This acquisition is set-aside exclusively for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB). Quoters must be registered and certified at https://veterans.certify.sba.gov/ and registered in SAM.gov.

Submission & Evaluation

• Submission Deadline: February 23, 2026, by 12:00 PM EST.
• Submission Method: Electronically via email to marshand.boone@va.gov.
• Required Submissions: Proposals must be submitted in four separate files: Volume A (Company Information), Volume B (Technical), Volume C (Past Performance), and Volume D (Pricing - Excel spreadsheet).
• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the responsible Quoter whose quote is most advantageous, with Technical and Past Performance combined being more important than Price. The Government intends to make an award without discussions.
• Mandatory Site Visit: Thursday, January 29, 2026. Contact marshand.boone@va.gov to arrange.
• Questions Deadline: February 2, 2026, by 12:00 PM EST. Submit via email to marshand.boone@va.gov and Joselito.Roman@va.gov.

Special Requirements

• Personnel: Contractor personnel must maintain professional conduct, show reverence, and avoid disruptive behavior. A Site Manager must be on-site at all times.
• Safety: Adherence to OSHA standards and prevention of hazards.
• Coordination: Work must be coordinated with the Cemetery Director/COR and must not interfere with interment services or ceremonies.
• Equipment: Contractor must provide all necessary labor, materials, tools, supplies, and equipment.
• Wage Determination: Bidders must incorporate the U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination (No. 2015-4353, Revision No. 30) for Taylor County, WV, into their proposals, covering minimum wage rates and fringe benefits for service employees.