Combined Solicitation Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery

Amendment / Modification

This amendment addresses additional solicitation questions and provides clarification on pricing schedules.

• Clarification provided regarding alternate pricing schedules.

• An alternate pricing schedule may be considered if it is technically acceptable and meets the needs of the cemetery, in addition to being the lowest offer.

Other / Unclassified

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

This directive outlines the standards and measures by which VA national cemeteries are operated and evaluated. It details the responsibilities of various NCA offices and personnel in establishing, implementing, and reviewing these standards. The "NCA Operational Standards and Measures Guidebook" is referenced as the primary source for these standards and is accessible via the NCA intranet. This document is relevant for understanding the operational framework and compliance requirements for VA national cemeteries, which may inform potential bidders on the expected operational performance and compliance expectations if their work involves these facilities or services.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial trash services for the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. The government is seeking to award an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a base year and four option years.

• The core requirement is trash collection services as detailed in the Statement of Work (Attachment A).

• Specific operational standards are outlined in Attachment B.

• Compliance with the Dignity Clause (Attachment C) is required.

• Adherence to the SCA Wage Determination 2015-4751 (Attachment D) is necessary.

• Contract Type: Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), Firm Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance: One (1) base year and four (4) one-year option periods, if exercised, from the date of award.

• Estimated Value: The maximum aggregate value of the contract is $120,000. The guaranteed minimum amount for the life of the contract is $1,000.

• Place of Performance: Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd, Seville, OH 44273.

• Proposal Submission Deadline: May 1, 2026, at 4:00pm EST.

• Submission Method: Email to April.Graves@va.gov.

• Evaluation Criteria: Offers will be evaluated on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) basis, considering Price, Technical Acceptability, and Past Performance.

• Key Deadlines: Questions due by April 28, 2026, at 4:00pm EST.

• NAICS Code: 562111 (Solid Waste Collection), with a business size standard of $47 million.

• Set Aside Type: Unrestricted.

• Registration: Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; no written solicitation will be issued.

• Offerors are responsible for checking SAM.gov for any amendments.

• No site-visits or individual tours will be scheduled; self-guided tours are permitted during operating hours.

• Pricing must be all-inclusive (labor, supervision, equipment, materials, supplies) and FOB Destination.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel spreadsheet containing pricing details for the "F Pricing" opportunity. It is provided in response to a government request for pricing in an Excel format. Potential contractors are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of their best and final pricing prior to the solicitation closing. Pricing is to be all-inclusive.

• The spreadsheet contains multiple sheets: BASE, OY1, OY2, OY3, and OY4, likely representing the base year and four option years.
• Each sheet details services related to waste and recycling container management, including:
  • 8-yard General waste container emptying (weekly)
  • 8-yard Mixed recycling container emptying (monthly)
  • 20-yard roll-off containers for general waste, headstones, and construction materials (monthly)
  • Disposal fee per ton for 20-yard roll-off containers
  • Rental fee for long-term 20-yard (on-call) containers
• Columns include Line Item, Description, Estimated Quantity, Unit, Unit Price, and Extended Price.
• All provided unit prices and extended prices are currently listed as 0.0, with some #REF! errors noted in the BASE sheet.

Bidders must use this template to provide their comprehensive, all-inclusive pricing for the services outlined. The accuracy of the submitted pricing is critical. Bidders should carefully review the service descriptions and quantities and input their best and final unit prices, ensuring the extended prices and year totals are correctly calculated before submission.

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

To obtain the services of a qualified and experienced Contractor for refuse and recycling collection, transportation, and disposal of solid waste, and the proper handling and recycling of designated recyclable materials for the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.

• Collection, transportation, and disposal of solid waste.

• Handling and recycling of designated recyclable materials.

• Services to be performed in a safe, timely, environmentally responsible, and compliant manner, adhering to all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

• Contractor to provide and maintain refuse and recycling containers (e.g., 8-yard general waste, 8-yard mixed recycling, 20-yard roll-off for headstones/construction materials, on-call general waste).

• Services include weekly or monthly emptying of containers, or on-call pickup within 3 business days for specific container types.

• Disposal fees for general waste, headstones, and construction materials will be charged per ton.

• Containers to be kept in proper repair, painted uniformly, and maintained free of holes, vermin, or foreign matter.

• Containers must not emit unpleasant odors.

• All services must comply with federal, state, and local environmental protection regulations.

• Contractor must maintain satisfactory standards of employee competency, conduct, appearance, and integrity.

• Quality Assurance: Government will conduct surveillance activities to evaluate performance.

• Services are to be performed at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.

• The contract is an indefinite-quantity, indefinite-delivery contract effective for the period stated in the Schedule.

• Contractor must observe Federal Government Holidays.

• Contractor must provide all management, labor, equipment, tools, supplies, vehicles, transportation, and licenses/permits.

• Contractor personnel must be fluent in English, fully trained, and possess required certifications (e.g., CDL for drivers).

• Contractor personnel must wear distinctive, identifiable uniforms.

• Contractor vehicles must be neat, clean, in good repair, and clearly display the contractor's name/logo.

• Contractor is responsible for any damage to persons or property caused by fault or negligence.

• Contractor must obtain all applicable licenses, permits, and certifications.

• Invoices must be submitted monthly via the Tungsten e-Invoice Network and include specific details.

• Payment is made only for actual services approved by the Contracting Officer.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "DIGNITY CLAUSE," outlines specific requirements for handling headstones and markers in National Cemeteries. It emphasizes the need for contractor personnel to perform all actions with special care, reverence, dignity, and respect for the final resting place of service members, Veterans, and their families.

• Handling of Markers and Headstones: Contractors must be aware of the remains buried in the work area and exercise utmost care for these remains, headstones, and flat grave markers.
• Prohibited Actions: Contractors cannot walk, stand, lean, sit, or jump on headstones or markers, nor drive over them.
• Equipment Use: No tools, equipment, or other items are to be placed or leaned on headstones or markers.
• Damage Prevention: Contractors must use care to avoid scratching or damaging markers in any manner.
• Responsibility for Damage: The contractor is responsible for replacing damaged headstones and markers, and for restoring any turf damaged during the performance of the work.
• Exposure/Damage to Remains: If any activity results in the exposure or damage to remains, containers (casket or urn), or outer burial containers, the contractor must immediately contact the COR, Director/Assistant Director, or Contracting Officer (CO) for guidance.
• Guidance and Resolution: Any doubts regarding proper procedures must be brought to the attention of the COR, Director/Assistant Director, or CO.
• Discussion of Guidance: Contractors are required to discuss this guidance with their employees and subcontractors.

This clause establishes critical operational requirements and responsibilities for any contractor performing work at a national cemetery. Bidders must understand and be prepared to comply with these stringent handling and respect protocols to ensure the preservation of cemetery grounds and the dignity of the deceased. Failure to adhere to these requirements can result in responsibility for damages and the need for corrective actions.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Wage Determination from the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, under the Service Contract Act. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations when performing contract work in specific geographic areas. This document is crucial for contractors to understand their labor cost obligations.

• Wage Determination Number: 2015-4751, Revision No. 31
• Date of Last Revision: 12/03/2025
• Area: Ohio Counties of Ashland, Huron, Wayne
• Occupational Listings: Includes a comprehensive list of job titles, corresponding occupational codes, and their required minimum hourly wage rates.
• Fringe Benefits: Required fringe benefits follow the occupational listing, with specific rates provided for Health & Welfare ($5.55/hour or $222.00/week) and Health & Welfare under EO 13706 ($5.09/hour or $203.60/week).
• Vacation: 2 weeks paid vacation after 1 year of service, increasing with tenure.
• Holidays: A minimum of twelve paid holidays per year.
• Executive Orders: Notes applicability of Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (Minimum Wage).
• Footnotes: Provide specific clarifications, such as for Computer Employees (Footnote 1) and Air Traffic Controllers/Weather Observers (Footnote 2), and hazardous pay differentials.

This wage determination directly impacts the labor costs associated with any contract requiring services in the specified Ohio counties. Bidders must use these rates to accurately calculate their proposed labor costs, ensuring compliance with federal regulations. Failure to adhere to these wage and benefit requirements can lead to contract violations. The document also outlines procedures for requesting additional classifications if a required occupation is not listed.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment B: Past Performance Questionnaire. It is used to collect information on previous contracts completed by offerors that are comparable in size, complexity, and scope to the contract being evaluated.

• Instructions: Contractors must list at least three (3) comparable contracts completed or current within the last five (5) years. National Cemetery Administration (NCA) contracts should be listed first, followed by non-NCA contracts.
• Questionnaire Fields: The form requires details for each contract, including:
  • Contract Number
  • Contractor Name, Address, Zip Code
  • Telephone Number
  • Email Address
  • Type of Contract
  • Contract Dollar Value
  • Date of Award (or status if not completed)
  • Type/Extent of Subcontracting
  • Percentage of Work completed by the Contractor
  • Description of Supply/Services provided, location & relevancy of work
  • Address, Telephone Number & Email of the Contact Person and Position

Bidders must complete this questionnaire to provide evidence of their past performance. This information will be used by the government to evaluate the offeror's ability to successfully perform the requirements of the opportunity.

Sources Sought Announcement

This announcement is for market research to identify potential qualified Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) and Veteran Owned Small Businesses (VOSB) capable of providing trash and waste removal services for the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. It is not a solicitation, and no contract will be awarded based on this announcement.

The contractor will be responsible for providing and servicing various types of dumpsters for general waste, recycling, and debris removal at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. Key services include:

• General Waste Removal: Weekly pickup and servicing of 8-cubic yard dumpsters.

• Recyclable Waste Removal: Monthly pickup and servicing of 8-cubic yard dumpsters.

• Debris Removal: Monthly pickup and servicing of 20-cubic yard roll-off dumpsters for granite headstone and concrete debris.

• On-Call Debris Removal: As-needed delivery and pickup of 20-cubic yard roll-off dumpsters for general waste and construction materials, with delivery and pickup within three business days of request.

• Tonnage Billing: Charges for tonnage for 20 cubic yard dumpsters will be invoiced per ton, supported by documentation.

• All containers must be leakproof, covered, clearly labeled (refuse/recycling), and maintained in a clean, serviceable condition.

• Containers must be placed in designated areas as specified by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

• Contractor personnel must perform all work with special care, reverence, and dignity, acknowledging the cemetery as a final resting place.

• Containers require specific cleaning (pressure washing, steam cleaning, deodorizing) based on seasonal schedules and approved products.

• The contractor is responsible for the delivery, maintenance, and removal of all containers and equipment.

• Spills of hazardous waste must be immediately cleaned up, properly disposed of, and reported to the COR and Cemetery Director.

Responses are due by March 20, 2026, at 4:00 PM EST and should be emailed to April.Graves@va.gov with the subject line "36C78626Q50133 Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery".

Capabilities statements must include:

• Company name, address, point of contact, phone, fax, and email.
• DUNS number/UEI number.
• Business type (e.g., SDVOSB, VOSB).
• Qualifications, years of experience, and ability to perform the described work.
• Information on any relevant FSS, NAC, or GSA Contract vehicles.
• Feedback on salient characteristics or suggestions.
• List of available options to meet needs.
• Any questions about the statement of work.
• Sample pricing for each deliverable, if available.

562111 – Solid Waste Collection