S208--Request for Information (RFI) Nationwide IDIQ Grounds Mantenance National Cemetery Administration (NCA)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for a hybrid fixed-price Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to provide comprehensive grounds maintenance and improvement services at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery. The contractor must supply all labor, supervision, materials, and equipment required to maintain the cemetery grounds in accordance with National Shrine Standards. Key operational requirements include turf maintenance, gravesite care, tree and shrub pruning, headstone handling, irrigation, pond management, snow removal, and ceremony support. Because National Cemeteries demand strict decorum and dignity, contractor personnel must adhere to professional conduct, uniform standards, and safety regulations. Operations must never disrupt funeral services, requiring daily coordination with the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and work stoppages within 1,000 feet of ongoing ceremonies. The contract consists of a 12-month base period plus four 12-month option years, involving tasks subject to both the Service Contract Act and Davis-Bacon Act. Key deliverables include a Quality Control Plan, a Comprehensive Grounds Management Plan, weekly work schedules and completion reports, and proper pesticide/herbicide application licensing. The contractor must also designate a qualified Site Manager available 24/7 for emergency communications. While the government provides basic utilities and specific staging areas, the contractor is fully responsible for providing necessary safety equipment, personal protective gear, temporary restrooms, and hazardous material storage compliant with OSHA and environmental laws.

This document is a Price Schedule of Services solicitation for grounds maintenance services at a National Cemetery (specifically referencing Fort Logan National Cemetery for site visits). The contractor must provide all labor, supervision, equipment, materials, and supplies to perform comprehensive grounds care in accordance with National Cemetery Administration standards. The contract structure covers a Base Year plus four one-year Option periods. Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) encompass a wide array of services and supplies, including: - Upright headstone, flat marker, niche marker, and private monument setting, realignment, alignment, cleaning, and maintenance (governed by Davis-Bacon Act and Service Contract Act standards). - General cemetery groundskeeping, such as turf and grass maintenance, pest control, tree and shrub care, irrigation and pond services, drainage maintenance, trash/debris removal, pavement sweeping, artificial turf upkeep, and snow/ice removal. - Janitorial and light structure maintenance, ceremony assistance, winter interment preparation, and various maintenance supplies (grass seed, limestone, gypsum, and fertilizers). All quantities listed are estimates for pricing purposes, and schedule prices must be all-inclusive. Unit prices take precedence in the event of calculation discrepancies. Offerors are strongly urged to conduct site visits to inspect local conditions before submitting bids, and the awarded contractor will be required to attend a post-award conference prior to commencing work.

The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration (NCA) has issued a Sources Sought Notice/Request for Information (RFI) under solicitation number 36C78627Q0031 to conduct market research for nationwide grounds maintenance services. The NCA is considering a multiple-award Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract framework with firm-fixed-price task orders covering a base period plus five one-year option periods. The primary scope of work encompasses headstone and memorial marker setting, realignment, and cleaning; turf, landscape, and tree care; pest control; irrigation and drainage maintenance; pavement care; winter snow and ice management; and ceremony support across National Cemeteries and Soldier’s Lots throughout the United States, its territories, and four administrative districts. This RFI seeks industry feedback to evaluate the feasibility of a nationwide procurement, assess small business capabilities, refine draft scope requirements, determine appropriate pricing methodologies, and analyze potential geographic structures (national, regional, district, or state). Interested offerors must qualify under NAICS code 561730 ($9.5 million size standard) and possess capabilities for self-performance, subcontractor oversight, and emergency mobilization. Capability statements and feedback regarding draft attachments must be submitted via email to Contracting Officer Joselito Roman and Contract Specialist Antionette Collins by November 13, 2026, at 4:30 PM EST.