Graveliners for Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery

NOTICE: The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) intends to make a sole source contract award to a Small Business (SB) concern, Merz Vault Company, Inc., to provide concrete grave liners (North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code: 327390, other concrete product manufacturing) for 180-days at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

The Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery located at 2900 Sheridan Road, St. Louis MO 63125, has an immediate need for concrete grave liners for the interment of caskets at the cemetery in accordance with national cemetery shrine standards. Contractor shall provide and install prefabricated concrete grave liners to Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

Contractor shall be responsible to keep pace with the daily grave liner requirement and remain near excavation crews as directed and customarily required by the VA National Cemetery policy as well as remain on station until grave covers as in place (see SOW for further details). The agency intends for the work to commence immediately.

The proposed contract action is for 180-days which the Government intends to solicit from only one source in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation FAR 13.5 Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items. The statutory authority for applying the Simplified Procedures for Commercial Items of FAR 13.5 is 41 U.S.C. § 1901 and is implemented by FAR 13.106-1(b)(2) for restricting competition on this procurement.

Competition is restricted on this procurement for the reason: Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. This notice of intent to award a sole source contract is not a request for competitive quotation; however, responsible sources may submit a capability statement, or a quotation that may be considered by the Agency.

Responses to this notice must demonstrate clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government, would not be cost or time prohibitive, and would not hinder the mission or objective. A determination by the Government not to compete this requirement is based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

The Government will not be responsible for any costs incurred by responding to this notice. This hereby constitutes a synopsis of the action proposed in this announcement. All responses must be received by Noon (Eastern) May 29, 2024, and will be considered by the Government. Inquiries will only be accepted in writing by email at jessica.lane2@va.gov (Administrative Contract Specialist)