Combined Solicitation Fort Snelling National Cemetery Trash Services

Other / Unclassified

This document is a U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination (No. 2015-4945, Revision No. 30) for the Service Contract Act. It lists prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits for various occupations in Minnesota (Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Washington, Wright counties) and Wisconsin (Pierce, St. Croix counties).

This wage determination is crucial for any contractor bidding on or performing federal service contracts in the specified geographic areas. It establishes the minimum hourly wage rates and benefits that must be paid to employees performing work under such contracts. Bidders must consult this document to accurately calculate labor costs for their proposals and ensure compliance with federal labor laws.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial trash services for Fort Snelling National Cemetery. The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, is seeking to award an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a base year and four one-year option periods.

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

• Services include all supervision, labor, equipment, materials, and supplies.

• The contract will be FOB Destination.

• Contract Type: Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)

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

• Estimated Value: Minimum $1,000; Maximum aggregate value not to exceed $250,000 over the life of the contract (including options).

• Task Orders: Each task order shall not exceed twelve (12) months.

• Submission Deadline: April 10, 2026, 4:00 PM EST.

• Submission Method: Email 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).

• No discussions are anticipated; submit best pricing and technical proposal initially.

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

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

• Set Aside Type: Unrestricted.

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

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

• No pre-bid site visits are scheduled; self-guided tours are permitted during operating hours.

• All questions must be submitted via email by April 7, 2026, 4:00 PM EST.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a pricing sheet provided in Excel format for potential contractors to submit their best and final pricing. It outlines the services for which pricing is required and specifies that pricing should be all-inclusive and tax-exempt.

• Services: The sheet details various waste and recycling container services, including general waste containers (2-yard to 8-yard, emptied weekly), mixed recycling containers (2-yard to 8-yard, emptied weekly), and on-call services for larger general waste/construction materials containers (10-yard to 30-yard) and metal recycling containers.
• Disposal Fees: Includes a per-ton disposal fee for on-call general waste, headstones, and construction materials.
• Rental Fees: Lists rental fees for long-term on-call containers (10-yard, 20-yard, 30-yard).
• Pricing Structure: The sheet includes columns for Estimated Quantity, Unit, Unit Price, and Extended Price for each line item. Separate subtotals are provided for services, with aggregated totals for the Base Year through Option Year 4.
• Note: A note emphasizes that the government requests pricing in Excel format and that potential contractors are responsible for the accuracy of their pricing prior to the solicitation closing.

This document is critical for bidders as it provides the specific services and quantities for which they must submit pricing. Bidders must ensure their submitted prices are all-inclusive, tax-exempt, and accurately reflect the costs associated with providing these waste and recycling services over the potential contract period (Base Year through Option Year 4).

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

To procure the services of a qualified and experienced Contractor for refuse and recycling collection, transportation, and disposal of solid waste, as well as the proper handling and recycling of designated recyclable materials for Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

• Collection, transportation, and disposal of solid waste.

• Handling and recycling of designated recyclable materials.

• Provision of various sizes of general waste and mixed recycling containers (2-yard to 8-yard) for weekly pickup.

• Provision of on-call containers (10-yard to 30-yard) for general waste, headstones, construction materials, and metal recycling.

• Disposal fee per ton for on-call general waste, headstones, and construction materials.

• Long-term rental fees for on-call containers (beyond 30 days).

• Services must be performed safely, timely, and in an environmentally responsible and compliant manner.

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

• Containers must be kept in proper repair, clean, and free of odors and graffiti.

• Containers must be emptied, picked up, and returned/replaced empty on the same day.

• Substitute containers must be provided within one business day for defective ones.

• Hazardous waste spills must be reported promptly and cleaned up.

• Quality assurance surveillance will be conducted by the Government.

• The period of performance is stated as "effective for the period stated, in the Schedule" (specific dates not provided in this excerpt).

• Services are to be performed at designated active sites within Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

• Contractor must observe Federal Government Holidays.

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

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

• Contractor personnel must communicate effectively in English and be fully trained.

• Drivers must possess current and valid Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL) with appropriate endorsements.

• Contractor personnel must wear distinctive, clean, and professional uniforms with the company name.

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

• Vehicles used for transport must be designed to prevent loss or spillage and be covered/enclosed.

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

• Contractor must comply with all applicable Federal, State, and municipal laws, codes, and regulations.

• Billing is to be submitted monthly via the Tungsten e-Invoice Network (net 30 terms).

Other / Unclassified

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

This directive outlines the framework for how VA national cemeteries are to be operated and maintained, including performance evaluation. It details the responsibilities of various NCA offices and personnel in establishing, implementing, and reviewing these standards. The "NCA Operational Standards and Measures Guidebook," which contains the detailed standards, is accessible via the NCA Improvement and Compliance Service's intranet site. While not a solicitation, this document provides critical context on the operational requirements and performance expectations for VA national cemeteries, which could be relevant for vendors involved in services or projects related to cemetery operations, maintenance, or compliance.

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 utmost care, reverence, dignity, and respect when performing any action within the cemetery grounds, acknowledging the final resting place of service members and veterans.

• General Conduct: Contractor personnel must perform all actions with special care, reverence, dignity, and respect.
• Handling of Markers and Headstones:
  • Contractors are prohibited from walking, standing, leaning, sitting, or jumping on headstones or markers.
  • Contractors are prohibited from driving 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 turf damaged during the performance of the work.
• Exposure/Damage to Remains: In the event of accidental exposure or damage to any remains, casket, urn, or outer burial container, 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 for guidance or resolution.
• Employee Discussion: 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 the respectful handling of gravesites. Bidders should carefully review these requirements to understand the necessary protocols and potential liabilities associated with performing work in a national cemetery. Compliance with this clause is essential for successful contract performance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "ATTACHMENT B: PAST PERFORMANCE," is a questionnaire designed to collect information about a contractor's past performance. It is intended to help the government evaluate the suitability of potential contractors for an opportunity by assessing their previous work.

• Instructions: Contractors must list at least three (3) previous federal, state, local government, or private contracts completed within the last five (5) years that are comparable in size, complexity, and scope to the contract being evaluated. National Cemetery Administration (NCA) contracts should be listed first, followed by non-NCA contracts.
• Questionnaire Fields: The form includes fields for:
  • 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 form accurately and thoroughly to provide evidence of their past performance. This information will be a critical factor in the government's evaluation of their proposal and determination of their capability to successfully perform the contract requirements.

Sources Sought Announcement

This is a Sources Sought Announcement for market research purposes to identify interested and capable Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) and Veteran Owned Small Businesses (VOSB) for trash and waste removal services at Fort Scott National Cemetery. This is NOT a solicitation or request for proposals; no contract award is guaranteed.

• Collection, transportation, and disposal of solid waste.

• Proper handling and recycling of designated recyclable materials.

• Provision, delivery, maintenance, and removal of refuse and recycling containers (e.g., 6 yd General Waste Dumpster).

• Weekly pickup and servicing of containers.

• Cleaning and sanitizing of containers (pressure washing twice monthly April-September, once monthly October-March; steam cleaning quarterly).

• Use of environmentally friendly cleaning products and EPA-approved deodorizers.

• Immediate cleanup, proper disposal, and reporting of any hazardous waste spills.

• The anticipated contract will have one (1) Base Period followed by four (4) Option Periods, each 12 months long.

• The Government reserves the right to extend services for up to six (6) months per FAR 52.217-8.

• Responses due by 3/7/2026 @ 4:00 pm EST.

• Email responses to April.Graves@va.gov with subject line: "36C78626Q50116 Fort Scott National Cemetery".

• Include the following in the capabilities statement or email body:

  • Company name, address, point of contact, phone, fax, email.
  • DUNS number/UEI number.
  • Business type (SDVOSB, VOSB, etc.).
  • Capability statement detailing qualifications, years of experience, and ability to perform.
  • Relevant FSS, NAC, GSA Contract vehicles held, and if services are available on schedule.
  • Feedback or suggestions on salient characteristics.
  • 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

• All work must be performed with special care, reverence, and dignity, acknowledging the cemetery as a final resting place.

• Contractor personnel must be aware of and show utmost care for remains and headstones.

• Containers must be leakproof, covered, clean, clearly labeled, and placed in designated areas.

• Contractor is responsible for all equipment maintenance and spill cleanup.

• No service on Federal Government Holidays; service will be rescheduled.

• This announcement is for market research only and does not obligate the Government to award a contract.