Chief, Centralized Contracting Division (402D3), National Cemetery System Operations Support Center, 5101 Russell Road, Quantico, VA 22134

99 -- GOVERNMENT FLAT BRONZE MARKERS SOL IFB 786-26-98 DUE 032098 POC Trish Kearney, Purchasing Agent (703)441-3082 (Voice), (703)441-3070 (FAX) Provide F.O.B. Origin, Contractor's Facility, within a 30-day delivery after receipt of delivery order, up to 35,000 Government Flat Bronze Grave Markers, including inscriptions, as specified on orders provided electronically by the NCS CCD for placement on graves of eligible deceased veterans in national veterans, state veterans military and private cemeteries. The Government Flat Bronze Grave Markers shall be manufactured identical to those provided by Matthews International Corporation and Sheidow Bronze Corporation. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation, bids are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. This solicitation is a commercial item and is issued as IFB 786-26-98. All bids must reference the solicitation number and be sent to Trish Kearney, at Department of Veterans Affairs' NCS Operation Support Center, Centralized Contracting Division (CCD) (402D3), 5101 Russell Road, Quantico, VA 22134, (703) 441-3082. This is a full and open competition with a standard industrial code (SIC) of 3366, with a size standard of 500 employees. Bids are due in CCD on March 20, 1998, 3:00 pm, local time. Bronze markers which are undeliverable shall be returned directly to the contractor by the carrier. Additionally, bronze markers that are being returned to the contractor for credit as scrap metal, may be returned directly to the contractor from the consignee, by the carrier. Markers returned for credit (scrap metal) shall be accepted by the contractor, and the Government credited with the amount provided in the contract. A credit memorandum shall be issued at least monthly, showing the total amount due the Government. This credit will be applied to future billing. The contract period commences March 23, 1998, through July 30,1998, to eliminate case backlog that cannot be satisfied with the current contractor's acceptance of orders that exceed its maximum monthly order limitation. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through FAC 97-3. List of contract line item numbers (CLIN) is as follows: (1) CLIN 1001, Inscribed Flat Bronze Grave Markers; Estimated Quantity: 35,000 each; (2) CLIN 1002, Bidder's Maximum Monthly Order Limitation (in unit amount); (3) CLIN 1003, Flat Bronze Markers returned for credit (dollar amount per marker). The following clauses and provisions are applicable to this solicitation: FAR Provision 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial Items; FAR Clause 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions -- Commercial Items; 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders -- Commercial Items, with the following incorporated by reference: 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government, with Alternate I; 52.203-10, Price or Fee Adjustment for Illegal or Improper Activity; 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns and Small Disadvantaged Business Concerns; 52.219-9, Small, Small Disadvantaged and Women-Owned Small Business Subcontracting Plan; 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity; 52.222-35, Affirmative Action for Special Disabled and Vietnam Era Veterans; 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Handicapped Workers; 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Special Disabled Veterans and Veterans of the Vietnam Era; 52.225-9, Buy American Act -- Trade Agreements Act -- Balance of Payments Program. Addenda to 52.212-4: 52.216-18, Ordering; 52.216-19, Order Limitations; 52.216-21, Requirements, 52.217-9, Option to Extend the Term of the Contract; 52.247-30, F.O.B. Origin, Contractor's Facility; 852.203-71, Display of VA Hotline Poster; 852.216-70 Estimated Quantities for Requirements; 852.270-4, Commercial Advertising; 852.214-70, Caution to Bidders-Bid Envelopes; 852.219-70, Veteran Owned Small Business; Addenda to 52.212-1: 52.214-5, Submissions of Bids; 52.214-6, Explanation to Prospective Bidders; 52.214-10, Contract Award -- Sealed Bidding; 52.214-12, Preparation of Bids; 52.222-24, Preaward On-Site Equal Opportunity Compliance Review; 52.233-2, Service of Protest; 52.232-15, Progress Payments Not Included. Please call (703) 441-3082, or via fax at (703) 441-3070 for full text of all clauses and provisions. (0070)

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