Combined Solicitation Abraham Lincoln Trash and Recycling Services

Amendment / Modification

This amendment addresses the following:

• Confirms that the quantity of 36 on the pricing sheet is correct.

• Clarifies that 3 6-yard dumpsters are requested, and all will be located in the same place as indicated on the map.

• A CLIN (Contract Line Item Number) for ancillary charges has been added to the pricing schedule. These charges will be averaged for the purpose of total pricing evaluation.

• Pricing sheet (quantity and ancillary charges)

• Solicitation closing date

• The closing date for the solicitation has been extended to 5/22/2026.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services to provide trash services for Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. It serves as the only solicitation, and quotes are requested in lieu of a separate written solicitation. The government anticipates awarding an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract.

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

• The contract includes Cemetery Operational Standards (Attachment B) and a Dignity Clause (Attachment C).

• Specific requirements include providing management plans, proof of at least 3 years of experience in similar trash collection services, a list of vehicles, and relevant licenses.

• 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.

• Contract Value: Guaranteed minimum of $1,000. Maximum aggregate value not to exceed $60,000 for the base and all options.

• Delivery/Acceptance Location: Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W Hoff Rd, Elwood, IL 60421.

• Proposal Submission Deadline: May 08, 2026, 4:00pm EST. Email responses to April.Graves@va.gov.

• Evaluation Factors: Award will be made on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) basis, considering Price, Technical Acceptability (Pass/Fail), and Past Performance (Acceptable/Not Acceptable).

• Quotes must be submitted in four volumes: Administrative, Technical Proposal, Past Performance, and Pricing.

• All prospective Quoters must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• The solicitation is Unrestricted.

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

• VAAR 852.215-70 applies, evaluating offerors based on their SDVOSB/VOSB status and proposed use of eligible SDVOSBs/VOSBs as subcontractors.

• No site-visits or individual tours will be scheduled; potential quoters may tour the cemetery at their own leisure.

• All questions must be submitted via email by May 1, 2026, 4:00pm EST.

• Potential quoters are responsible for checking SAM.gov for any issued amendments.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel spreadsheet containing pricing details for a government 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 before the solicitation closes. Pricing is to be all-inclusive.

• Services: Details various waste container services including weekly emptying of 6-yard general waste and 4-yard mixed recycling containers, and on-call services for 20-yard and 30-yard containers for general waste, headstones, and construction materials.
• Overage Fees: Includes fees per ton for overages beyond 2 tons for on-call general waste containers.
• Ancillary Charges: Lists various ancillary charges such as delivery, removal, overages, extra pick-ups, exchanges, contaminated recycling, trip charges, relocation, dig-outs, and lock services. These charges are to be averaged for inclusion in the total price.
• Pricing Structure: The sheet includes columns for Estimated Quantity, Unit, Unit Price, and Extended Price for each line item.
• Contract Periods: Pricing is broken down by Base Year and Option Years 1 through 4.

This pricing sheet is critical for bidders to understand the cost structure associated with the required waste management services. Bidders must use this template to submit their comprehensive pricing, ensuring all services and potential ancillary charges are accounted for. The "Subtotal (Service)" and "Base thru Option Year 4 Total" fields will be essential for calculating the overall bid price.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment serves to answer solicitation questions and clarify details regarding requested dumpsters.

• Solicitation Questions: The amendment addresses questions submitted by offerors.
• Pricing Sheet/Dumpster Quantity: Clarifies that Quantity 36 on the pricing sheet is correct.
• Dumpster Details: Confirms that 3 (three) 6-yard dumpsters are requested, and all will be located in the same place as indicated on the map.

Offerors are required to acknowledge receipt of this amendment. Failure to do so by the specified hour and date may result in offer rejection. If an offeror wishes to change a previously submitted offer based on this amendment, they may do so via letter or electronic communication, provided it is received prior to the opening hour and date.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

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

• 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.
• 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, and 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 demonstrate their past performance and experience relevant to the opportunity. This information will be used by the government for evaluation purposes.

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 specific geographic areas. Bidders must use this information to ensure compliance with labor wage requirements.

• Wage Determination Number: 2015-5019, Revision No.: 31
• Date of Last Revision: 12/03/2025
• Area: Illinois Counties of Grundy, Kendall, Will
• Occupational Listings: Provides a comprehensive list of occupations with corresponding minimum hourly wage rates and required fringe benefits.
• Executive Orders: Notes applicability of Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (Minimum Wage).
• Benefits: Details Health & Welfare benefits, Vacation, and Holidays.
• Footnotes: Includes specific information for Computer Employees and Air Traffic Controllers/Weather Observers, as well as hazardous pay differentials.
• Conformance Process: Outlines the procedure for establishing wage rates for unlisted occupations.

This wage determination is critical for bidders to accurately calculate labor costs for their proposals. It dictates the minimum wages and benefits that must be paid to employees performing work under the contract. Failure to comply with these rates can lead to contract violations. Bidders must ensure their proposed labor rates meet or exceed these minimums for all applicable occupations.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services to provide trash services for Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. It serves as both a synopsis of the government's intent to procure these services and the solicitation for quotes. The government anticipates awarding an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract.

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

• Cemetery Operational Standards (Attachment B) and a Dignity Clause (Attachment C) are also referenced.

• The contractor must provide all supervision, labor, equipment, materials, and supplies.

• 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.

• Contract Minimum Value: $1,000.

• Contract Maximum Value: $60,000 (inclusive of all options).

• Delivery/Acceptance Location: Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W Hoff Rd, Elwood, IL 60421.

• Proposal Submission Deadline: May 08, 2026, 4:00pm EST.

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

• Evaluation Basis: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA).

• Evaluation Factors: Price, Technical Acceptability (Pass/Fail), and Past Performance (Acceptable/Not Acceptable).

• Quotes must be submitted in four (4) separate documents (Volumes A, B, C, and D).

• Questions Due Date: May 1, 2026, 4:00pm EST, submitted via email to April.Graves@va.gov.

• Set Aside Type: Unrestricted.

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

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

• This solicitation is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ), solicitation number 36C78626Q5134.

• No pre-bid site visits will be scheduled; however, quoters may tour the cemetery during operating hours.

• The government intends to award without discussions.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel spreadsheet containing pricing information for a government contract. 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 before the solicitation closes. The pricing is to be all-inclusive.

The spreadsheet contains multiple sheets (BASE, OY1, OY2, OY3, OY4) detailing services and associated costs. The services include:

• 6-yard General waste container emptied weekly.
• 4-yard Mixed recycling container emptied weekly.
• 20-yard general waste, headstones, and construction materials container (on-call).
• 30-yard general waste, headstones, and construction materials container (on-call).
• Overage fee per ton beyond 2 tons for on-call general waste, headstones, and construction materials containers.

All listed unit prices and extended prices are currently $0.0, with a "#REF!" error noted for the overage fee in the BASE sheet. Totals for the Base Year and Option Years 1 through 4 are also listed as $0.0.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the expected pricing structure and to input their own comprehensive pricing for the services required. Bidders must carefully review these line items and provide accurate, all-inclusive pricing for each service across all contract years. The current $0.0 values indicate that specific pricing needs to be filled in by the bidder.

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 special care, reverence, dignity, and respect when contractor personnel are working on or near gravesites.

• General Conduct: All actions must acknowledge the cemetery as a final resting place and commemorate service members and veterans.
• Handling of Headstones and Markers:
  • Contractors cannot walk, stand, lean, sit, or jump on headstones or markers.
  • Contractors cannot drive over headstones or markers.
  • No tools, equipment, or other items are to be placed or leaned on headstones or markers.
  • Extreme care must be taken to avoid scratching or damaging markers.
• Responsibility for Damage: The contractor is responsible for replacing any damaged headstones and markers, as well as restoring any damaged turf.
• Exposure or Damage to Remains: If any activity results in the exposure or damage to remains, containers for remains (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.
• Employee Discussion: Contractors are required to discuss this guidance with their employees and subcontractors.

This clause is critical for any bidder whose work may involve or occur near headstones, markers, or gravesites within a national cemetery. It details specific operational constraints and responsibilities related to the respectful handling of these sensitive areas and potential damage mitigation. Bidders must understand and incorporate these requirements into their proposed approach and pricing.

Other / Unclassified

This document is NCA Directive 3000, a transmittal sheet dated September 19, 2024, concerning "Operational Standards and Measures for VA National Cemeteries." It updates policy and procedures for operational standards and measures, incorporating the current organizational structure of the National Cemetery Administration (NCA), its programs, offices, service lines, and cemeteries, while also revising roles and responsibilities.

This directive establishes the framework for operational standards and performance measures for all VA national cemeteries and VA grant-funded Veterans cemeteries. It outlines the policy for administering, operating, and maintaining these cemeteries in compliance with established standards and includes procedures for evaluating facility compliance. The directive also references a "NCA Operational Standards and Measures Guidebook" which is accessible online and details specific operational areas and performance metrics. Bidders involved in opportunities related to cemetery operations, maintenance, or compliance may find this directive relevant for understanding the performance expectations and standards that govern these activities.

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 Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

• Provide general waste containers (6-yard) emptied weekly.

• Provide mixed recycling containers (4-yard) emptied weekly.

• Provide general waste, headstones, and construction materials containers (20-yard and 30-yard) on an "on-call" basis.

• Manage overage fees for on-call containers exceeding 2 tons.

• Ensure containers are delivered, maintained, and removed as directed by the Contracting Officer (CO) or Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).

• Containers must be painted a uniform color, distinguishing waste from recycling, and maintained in good condition, free of graffiti, holes, vermin, or odors.

• All services must be performed safely, timely, and in an environmentally responsible manner, adhering to all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

• Containers must be kept in proper repair and maintained free of odors.

• Defective containers must be replaced within one business day in critical areas.

• Spills must be cleaned up immediately, and hazardous waste spills reported promptly.

• Contractor must comply with all applicable traffic rules and regulations, including speed and weight limits.

• The contract is for an indefinite-quantity, indefinite-delivery period.

• Services are to be performed at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

• Access to Government facilities is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., excluding Federal Government holidays.

• Contractor must have a minimum of one year of prior experience in recycling and waste management services.

• Drivers operating vehicles requiring a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) must possess current and valid CDLs with appropriate endorsements.

• Contractor personnel must wear distinctive clothing clearly bearing the company name and employee's name.

• Vehicles must be in good repair, clean, and properly marked with the contractor's name/logo.

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

• Contractor must comply with all Federal and State environmental protection regulations.

• Invoices must be submitted monthly via the Tungsten e-Invoice Network.

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

• Contractor must coordinate container placement and delivery with the COR.

• Contractor must provide a list of vehicles intended for use and ensure they are designed for the container types being serviced.

Sources Sought Announcement

This is a Sources Sought Announcement for market research purposes to identify potential qualified Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) and Veteran Owned Small Businesses (VOSB) capable of providing trash and recycling removal services, and potentially other related services, at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.

• Trash Service: Provide two (2) 8-yard trash containers with lids, serviced weekly.

• Recycling Service: Provide two (2) 4-yard recycling containers with lids for paper and cardboard, serviced weekly.

• 30-yard Roll-off Dumpsters: Provide on an as-needed basis for special events and holidays.

• Street Sweeping: Perform quarterly sweeping of cemetery roadways, curbs, and select parking lots. The government will provide water and on-site dumping.

• Port-O-Lets: Provide standard and ADA-compliant units with hand sanitizers for the annual Memorial Day Ceremony.

• Handwashing Stations: Provide for the annual Memorial Day Ceremony.

• Annual Septic Tank Pumping: Pump and inspect three (3) septic tanks annually.

• The NAICS code is 562111 – Solid Waste Collection.

• Services are to be performed at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Road, Elwood, IL 60421.

• Response Deadline: No later than March 10, 2026, at 4:00 PM EST.

• Submission Method: Email to April.Graves@va.gov with "36C78626Q50134 Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery" in the subject line.

• Required Information: Company name, address, POC, contact info, DUNS/UEI, business type (SDVOSB/VOSB), capability statement (addressing qualifications, experience), relevant contract vehicles (FSS, NAC, GSA), confirmation of item availability on contracts, feedback on salient characteristics, available options, questions about the SOW, sample pricing, and confirmation of deliverable availability.

• Primarily seeking information from Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses and Veteran Owned Small Businesses.

• This is a Sources Sought Announcement only, not a solicitation. No contract award is guaranteed.

• The Statement of Work (SOW) details specific requirements for each service, including container sizes, servicing frequency, delivery timelines, and work hours.

• Special attention should be paid to delivery locations, cemetery entrance restrictions (12' height limit on primary entrance), and performance during cemetery functions to avoid impacting events.