The Cypress Hill National Cemetery is in need of Grounds Maintenance Services for a period of a Base plus Four (4) option years. The POP: 4/5/2026 through 4/4/2027. -- S208

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

To provide grounds maintenance services for Cypress Hills National Cemetery and the Union Plot and Mount of Victory plot, ensuring these National Shrines honor Veterans with a high standard of appearance and maintenance.

This SOW requires the contractor to furnish all supervision, labor, materials, tools, supplies, and equipment for the following services:

• Mowing, Trimming & Edging: Mowing approximately 18 acres of turf, trimming around 18,590 headstones, and edging curbs and walkways. Specific cutting heights and patterns are detailed, with a focus on preventing damage to turf and headstones. Services are required weekly from April 15th to November 30th.
• Trash, Debris & Leaf Removal: Collecting and removing trash, dead flowers, tree limbs, and leaves from all cemetery areas. This includes weekly removal of trash and debris, and scheduled floral pick-ups. Storm clean-up is also required.
• Headstone Cleaning: Cleaning headstones using only D/2 Biological Solution, following specific procedures to avoid damage and environmental contamination. Temporary markers and floral arrangements must be moved and replaced.
• Fall Leaf Cleanup: Weekly removal of leaves from October 15th through December 30th, with a final cleanup by March 15th. This includes raking, vacuuming, or blowing leaves from turf, fence lines, roads, and gutters.
• Tree Pruning / Removal: Services must be directed by an ISA Certified Arborist, with specific protocols for topping, limb removal, and stump grinding. Protection of headstones and turf is critical.
• Snow Removal: Removal of snow and ice from roads, sidewalks, walkways, steps, and around buildings. Application of calcium chloride and rock salt is specified. Operations must begin within two hours of notification.
• Flag Raising/Lowering: Raising and lowering the U.S. flag as directed by Presidential proclamation or the New York State Governor for half-staff occasions.

Work must adhere to National Cemetery Administration (NCA) Standards, including specific turf height requirements (2.1c, 2.6) and debris-free grounds (2.3). Trash collection must not detract from cemetery appearance (7.2). A weekly progress report is required.

• Locations: Cypress Hills National Cemetery (625 Jamaica Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11208) and the Union & Mount of Victory Plots (adjacent to Cypress Hills National Cemetery).

• Work Hours: Normal cemetery business hours (8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday, excluding Federal Holidays), unless otherwise approved by the COR.

• Contractor must provide a Site Manager on-site at all times.

• Burial activities take precedence over contract work; work must cease within 1,000 feet of committal services.

• Contractor is responsible for all labor, equipment, transportation, and disposal. No government receptacles will be provided.

• Strict adherence to safety standards (OSHA) and employee conduct is required.

• Contractor must possess and maintain all necessary insurance, licenses, and permits.

• Damage to cemetery property, including headstones, will result in replacement costs charged to the contractor.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document is a Price Schedule for grounds maintenance services at Cypress Hills National Cemetery and the Union & Mount of Victory plots. It outlines the specific tasks, estimated quantities, and units for which contractors will provide pricing.

• Services: Includes mowing, headstone trimming and cleaning, curb and walkway edging, sunken grave repair, tree pruning/trimming/removal, snow removal, and flag raising/lowering.
• Locations: Cypress Hills National Cemetery (625 Jamaica Ave, Brooklyn, NY) and Union & Mount of Victory plots.
• Period of Performance: Base year from date of award through one year, with four (4) one-year renewal options.
• Estimated Quantities: Quantities are estimates and subject to change based on weather conditions. Changes will not constitute an equitable price adjustment.
• Pricing: Bidders must provide Unit Cost and Total Cost for each CLIN (Contract Line Item Number) for the base year and each option year.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the scope of work and to prepare their pricing proposals. Bidders must fill in the unit and total costs for each CLIN. The estimated quantities and detailed descriptions of services are essential for accurate cost estimation. A mandatory site visit is required; interested offerors must contact the Long Island National Cemetery Director to schedule an appointment during the second week of the solicitation period.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for Grounds Maintenance Services at Cypress Hill National Cemetery in Brooklyn, NY. The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, is seeking these services.

The services include general grounds maintenance, encompassing routine care and management of outdoor spaces such as lawns, gardens, trees, and walkways. Specific details are outlined in the attached Statement of Work (SOW).

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

• Period of Performance: Base period plus 4 option years (if exercised).

• NAICS Code: 561730 – Landscaping Services

• Business Size Standard: $9.5M

• Response Date: March 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST.

• Submission Method: Electronically via email to Hugh O’Neil (Hugh.Oneil@va.gov) and cc Jose Roman (Joselito.Roman@va.gov).

• Proposal Structure: Submittals must include four separate PDF/Excel files: Volume A (Company Information), Volume B (Technical Quoters/Work Plan), Volume C (Past Performance), and Volume D (Pricing).

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

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

• Requirements: Offerors MUST be registered in SAM.gov and have an active/current certification as an SDVOSB with the SBA (search.certifications.sba.gov). Failure to meet these requirements will result in a non-responsive quote.

• Site Visit: Mandatory site visit on February 18, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM EST. Arrangements must be made with cemetery staff.

• Questions Deadline: February 19, 2026, at 4:00 PM EST via email to the Contracting Officer.

• Attachments: Statement of Work (SOW), Price Schedule, Past Performance Questionnaire, and Wage Determination are provided.