This announcement constitutes a Sources Sought Synopsis (market survey). This is not a request for quote (RFQ) or a request for proposal (RFP). This announcement is for information and planning purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government, implied or otherwise, to issue a solicitation or award a contract. The Government will not pay for any cost incurred in responding to this announcement. Any information submitted by respondents to this Sources Sought synopsis shall be voluntary.
The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration (NCA), Pacific District, Contracting Office is conducting market research and is seeking potential sources for vendors to provide landscaping materials for National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Hawaii.
The NCA wants to gain knowledge of potential qualified sources and their size classification (HUBZone, 8(a), small, small disadvantage, veteran owned small business (VOSB), service-disabled veteran owned small business (SDVOSB), or large business) relative to NAICS 325320-Pesticide and Other Agricultural Chemical Manufacturing with size standards in number of employees 1,150.
Note that if VA's pending market research establishes that two or more SDVOSB or VOSB, who are certified on SBA, Veteran Small Business Certification (sba.gov), can perform the project at a fair and reasonable price, VA will set aside the underlying solicitation per 38 U.S.C. 8127.
Responses to this synopsis will be used by the Government to make appropriate acquisition decisions. After review of the responses to this Sources Sought Synopsis, a solicitation announcement may be published on SAM.gov and/or GSA eBuy. Responses to this Sources Sought Synopsis are not considered adequate responses to the solicitation announcement.
General Requirements:
The vendor shall furnish and deliver all listed items meeting the salient characteristics and minimum quality specifications in the Statement of Need (SON). The Contractor shall fulfill delivery orders within seven (7) business days of the Government's request, unless otherwise specified in the delivery order. Delivery dates, quantities, and locations will be specified in each delivery order. Contractor shall provide tracking information for all shipments. For additional information please see the attached SON.
Delivery Location: National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, 2177 Puowaina Drive, Honolulu, HI 96813.
The Government plans to award a Firm-Fixed-Price Supply Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract for a Base year and two-year option (12 months) periods.
Submission Instructions: In responding to the source sought, please provide the following:
- Interest and capability to provide all the listed supplies as described in the Statement of Need or only partial listed items, including percentage to be self-performed and sub-contracted.
- Company profile to include your SAM UID, cage code, and a statement regarding your current business status (small/large), if a small business identify whether or not your classification includes a specific classification. (i.e.-certified 8(a), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned (SDVOSB), or certified HubZone)
- Do you have a GSA Contract Number?
- Experience performing efforts of a similar in size and scope including contract number, organization supported, indication of whether as a prime or subcontractor, contract values, a Government point of contract with current telephone, and a brief description of how the referenced contract relates to this requirement.
- Provide pricing information for market research purposes for all listed items and industry unit of issue (Bag Size/ Bottle/Gallon).
- Identify delivery timeline for notice of Delivery Order?
Inquiries/Questions will only be accepted in writing via email to Roberto.escobedo@va.gov by 06/18/2026 by 11:00 AM (PST). No questions will be accepted after this date.
In response to this announcement, please complete the information below and return to Roberto Escobedo, email: Roberto.escobedo@va.gov by 06/30/2026 by 1:00 PM (PST).
This notice is neither a request for competitive proposal nor solicitation of offerors. This notice is to assist the NCA in determining sources only and a solicitation is not currently available. If a solicitation is issued it will be announced at a later date, and all interested parties must respond to that solicitation announcement separately from this response.
Responses to this Sources Sought Synopsis is not a request to be added to a prospective bidders list or to receive a copy of the solicitation. Information received as a result of this notice will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. This notice does not represent a commitment by the Government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of information or any other costs incurred as a response to this announcement.
SPECIAL NOTICE: Nonmanufacturer Rule and Class Waiver
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code assigned to this procurement is 325320, which is subject to a Small Business Administration (SBA) approved class waiver of the Nonmanufacturer Rule in accordance with 13 CFR 121.406(b).
As a result of the approved class waiver, SDVOSB are not required to supply the product of a small business manufacturer and may offer products manufactured by either small or large business concerns, provided all other solicitation requirements are met.
All vendors will be verified on the Small Business Search (SBS) website, https://search.certifications.sba.gov/ for their SDVOSB certification status.
Background
The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration (NCA), is conducting market research to identify potential vendors for landscaping materials needed at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii.
The NCA aims to maintain its mission as a national shrine by ensuring that the cemetery grounds are properly maintained according to established operational standards. This procurement is intended to establish a reliable contract vehicle for the delivery of landscaping supplies that meet these specifications.
Work Details
The contractor will be responsible for furnishing and delivering various landscaping supplies, including herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers, aggregates, compost, and grass seed. Specific requirements include:
- Herbicides: Various types including Dimethenamid-P Pre-Emergent Herbicide, 2-4D Pre-Emergent Herbicide, Flazasulfuron Turf Herbicide, and others with specified active ingredients and delivery schedules.
- Insecticides: Types include 20 Systemic Insecticide and Tree trunk/soil systemic insecticide with defined quantities and delivery timelines.
- Fertilizers: Different formulations such as Humic Coated Urea and Turf Fertilizer with specified quantities delivered quarterly.
- Aggregate: S4C crushed stone aggregate with specific size requirements and delivery conditions.
- Compost: High-quality organic compost with strict quality criteria for delivery.
- Grass Seed: Zenith Zoysia Grass Seed with purity and germination standards. All deliveries must comply with labeling requirements and safety regulations.
Period of Performance
The geographic location(s) the contract will be performed (if provided).
Place of Performance
National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, 2177 Puowaina Drive, Honolulu, HI 96813.
Bidder Requirements
Vendors must demonstrate capability to provide all listed supplies as described in the Statement of Need. They should provide company profiles including UID, cage code, business status (small/large), and any relevant certifications (e.g., SDVOSB). Experience in similar contracts is required along with pricing information for market research purposes.
Incumbent Analysis (see Incumbents section for more detail)
This opportunity appears to have a confirmed incumbent based on prior VA landscaping materials work at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, with Watanabe Enterprises listed under confirmed incumbent award 36C78620A0033 (SDVOSB sole source IAW VAAR 819.7007) covering 07/01/20–06/30/25. The current sources sought for furnishing and delivering landscaping supplies such as herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers, aggregates, compost, and grass seed aligns closely with the cemetery grounds supply scope reflected in multiple Pacific District grounds supply awards (e.g., fertilizer/herbicide/insecticide/lime/grass seed) awarded to Walking Point Farms, Green Wave Supply & Logistics, and ECO Quality Solutions during 07/01/22–06/30/27.
