Fort Snelling National Cemetery – National Shrine Project 894-NSP25-002

The Department of Veterans Affairs, through the National Cemetery Administration, is soliciting proposals under solicitation number 36C78626B0004 for the National Shrine Project at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with a strict set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses. The work involves comprehensive renovation of designated cemetery sections including the surveying, removal, cleaning, realignment, and reinstallation of both upright and flat headstones; turf restoration; grading; drainage improvements; and full site restoration to meet exacting aesthetic and structural standards. All activities must be completed within 365 calendar days following the Notice of Award, with turf work specifically restricted to spring (April 15–June 30) or fall (August 15–October 15) seasons. The contract requires adherence to NCA standards for headstone alignment, stability, and spacing, including a minimum three-inch clearance around each headstone socket and compaction of subgrade to 90% maximum dry density using Proctor testing, with six tests required per section. Contractors must use approved non-hazardous cleaning agents like D/2 Biological Solution and HDPE geogrids for long-term marker stability, while strictly avoiding any disrespectful handling such as stepping on markers. Proposals must be submitted by email only to Shane Hilts at shane.hilts@va.gov by 6:00 PM ET on August 20, 2026, in the form of four hard copies and one electronic PDF file containing technical documentation including site surveys, shop drawings, and manufacturer certifications, all labeled with cemetery name, contractor identity, contract number, and applicable specifications. Offerors must demonstrate SDVOSB status with verified UEI and CAGE codes, provide detailed capability statements highlighting relevant experience in cemetery restoration, turf renovation, and surveying, and confirm bonding capacity and corporate stability. Evaluation will prioritize technical approach, relevant past performance, key personnel qualifications including a designated superintendent and OSHA-compliant safety program, and supply chain reliability for specialty materials like certified sod and geogrids. Price is not explicitly weighted but is not the dominant factor, indicating a trade-off award process. Contractors must comply with strict site conduct rules, including prohibitions on weapons and smoking, professional attire standards, mandatory employee orientation, and immediate reporting of ownership changes. Inspection and acceptance occur on-site by the Contracting Officer’s Representative, with all nonconforming work to be corrected at no additional cost,