Combined Solicitation Fort Custer Waste and Recycling Services

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 operational standards and performance measures that VA national cemeteries must adhere to. It details the responsibilities of various NCA offices and personnel in establishing, evaluating, and updating 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 performance expectations and compliance requirements for entities operating or seeking to operate VA national cemeteries or grant-funded Veterans cemeteries.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Wage Determination issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations under the Service Contract Act for contracts performed in Kalamazoo County, Michigan.

• Lists numerous occupational codes and titles.
• Specifies the minimum hourly wage rate for each occupation.
• Indicates that fringe benefits are required and follow the occupational listing.
• Includes notes on Executive Orders related to paid sick leave and minimum wage adjustments.
• Provides details on health and welfare benefits, vacation, and holidays.
• Outlines specific conditions for computer employees, air traffic controllers, and hazardous pay differentials.
• Explains uniform allowance requirements and the Service Contract Act Directory of Occupations.
• Details the process for requesting additional classifications and wage rates (Conformance Process).

This document is crucial for any bidder responding to a solicitation that requires services in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, and is subject to the Service Contract Act. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages and benefits meet or exceed these minimums to be compliant. It directly impacts labor cost estimations for proposals.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment B: Past Performance Questionnaire. It is used to collect information on previous contracts completed by a contractor 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:
  • 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 and submit this form as part of their proposal to provide information on their past performance. This information will be used by the government to evaluate the contractor's ability to successfully perform the contract requirements.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services, specifically trash services for Fort Custer National Cemetery. It serves as the sole solicitation, and quotes are being requested. A written solicitation will not be issued separately. The government anticipates awarding an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a base year and four option years.

• The core requirement is trash services as detailed in the Statement of Work (Attachment A) and Cemetery Operational Standards (Attachment B).

• Pricing must be all-inclusive of supervision, labor, equipment, materials, and supplies.

• The North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code is 562111 with a business size standard of $47 million.

• 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.

• Minimum Contract Value: $1,000.

• Maximum Aggregate Value: Not explicitly stated, but ordering periods for options shall not exceed $45,000.

• Questions Due: May 5, 2026, 4:00 PM EST (via email to April.Graves@va.gov).

• Quotes Due: May 8, 2026, 4:00 PM EST (via email to April.Graves@va.gov).

• Submission Format: Quotes must be submitted in four separate documents (Volumes A, B, C, D).

• Evaluation Criteria: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) basis. Factors include Price, Technical Acceptability, and Past Performance.

• Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose proposal is technically acceptable and has the lowest evaluated price. The government intends to make award without discussions.

• The solicitation is Unrestricted.

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

• Failure to follow submission guidelines or provide required documentation may result in ineligibility.

• Attachments include: Statement of Work, Cemetery Operational Standards, Dignity Clause, SCA Wage Determination, Past Performance Questionnaire, and Pricing Schedule.

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 service members, Veterans, and their families.

• Handling of Markers and Headstones: Contractors must be aware of the remains buried in the grounds 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. Tools, equipment, or other items must not be placed or leaned on headstones or markers.
• Damage Prevention: Care must be taken 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 work.
• Exposure/Damage to Remains: If any activity results in the exposure and/or damage to remains, containers, or 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 should 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 highlights critical operational requirements and responsibilities related to cemetery grounds and grave markers. Bidders should carefully review these stipulations to understand the level of care, respect, and specific handling procedures required, as well as their liability for any damage. This will impact labor practices, site preparation, and risk management during contract performance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a pricing sheet provided in Excel format, as requested by the government. Potential contractors are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of their best and final pricing before the solicitation closes. The pricing is to be all-inclusive.

• The sheet details services related to waste and recycling dumpster rentals and associated billing.
• Services include:
  • 8yd General Waste Dumpster (Emptied Weekly, Billed Monthly)
  • 4yd Recycle Dumpster (Emptied Weekly, Billed Monthly)
  • ON CALL 30 yd Rolloff Container (on site not to exceed 1 month)
  • Billing for Tonnage (30 yd roll off)
• Pricing is broken down by Base Year and Option Years 1 through 4.
• All listed unit prices and extended prices are currently $0.0.

Bidders must use this sheet to input their proposed pricing for the services outlined. Ensure all costs are included and that the pricing submitted is accurate and reflects the best and final offer.

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 proper handling and recycling of designated recyclable materials for Fort Custer 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.

• Adherence to all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

• Containers/Dumpsters:

  • 8-yard General waste containers (emptied weekly).
  • 4-yard Mixed recycling containers (emptied weekly).
  • 30-yard general waste, headstones, and construction materials containers (on-call, estimated twice per year).
  • Disposal fee per ton for on-call general waste, headstones, and construction materials.

• Container Maintenance: Containers must be kept in proper repair, painted uniformly, washable, free of holes, vermin, and unpleasant odors. Graffiti containing profanity or offensive material is unacceptable.

• Service Schedule: Weekly pickup for general waste and recycling. On-call pickup for larger containers with 3 business days' notice.

• Contractor Responsibilities: Provide all management, labor, equipment, tools, supplies, vehicles, transportation, licenses, and permits. Maintain equipment, clean up spills, and report incidents.

• Contractor Qualifications: Minimum of one year of prior experience in recycling and waste management services. Personnel must communicate in English, be OSHA trained, and drivers must have valid CDLs. Vehicles must be in good repair and clearly marked.

• Site Maintenance: Leave service/loading areas clean and orderly after each pickup. Close all container lids.

• Damage Responsibility: Contractor is responsible for any damage to persons or property caused by fault or negligence. This includes repairing or replacing damaged loading docks, building structures, or landscape features.

• Access: Ingress and egress to Government facilities Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., excluding Federal holidays.

• Services must be performed in accordance with best industry standards and practices.

• Quality assurance surveillance activities will be conducted by the Government.

• Contract Discrepancy Reports (CDRs) may be issued for unsatisfactory performance.

• Period of performance is indefinite, effective for the period stated in the Schedule.

• Services are for Fort Custer National Cemetery.

• Federal Holidays: No service on designated federal holidays. Service will be rescheduled to the preceding or following business day.

• Environmental Compliance: Comply with all current Federal and State environmental protection regulations.

• Billing: Monthly itemized invoices submitted via Tungsten e-Invoice Network. Payment terms: net 30. Payment only for actual services approved and performed.

• Contractor Representative: Must designate a representative for contract management and communication.

• Supervision: Contractor must provide adequate supervision and maintain satisfactory employee standards.

• Regulatory Compliance: Obtain and maintain all applicable licenses, permits, and certifications.