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Fort Bliss National Cemetery, Gravesite Expansion and FCA Deficiencies

VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF.VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF.NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMIN (36C786) · Response deadline: Thu, 12 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration is soliciting work for gravesite expansion and FCA (Functional Condition Assessment) deficiencies at Fort Bliss National Cemetery in El Paso, Texas. This construction work falls under NAICS code 237990, which covers other heavy and civil engineering construction—activities including cemetery construction, land development for burial sites, and related infrastructure improvements.

Based on the title, the project involves two core elements: expanding the cemetery's gravesite capacity and addressing deficiencies identified through functional condition assessments. FCA deficiencies typically refer to building and infrastructure elements that have deteriorated or fail to meet current operational standards, which in a cemetery context may include roads, drainage, utilities, walls, or memorial structures.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is exclusively reserved for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) under FAR 19.14. To qualify, your firm must:

• Be at least 51% unconditionally owned by one or more service-disabled veterans
• Have one or more service-disabled veterans control management and daily operations
• Hold valid SDVOSB certification in the System for Award Management (SAM)
• Meet size standards for NAICS 237990 ($45.5 million average annual receipts for heavy construction, though see the solicitation for any specific size determination)
• Be registered and active in SAM.gov with current representations and certifications

Joint ventures are permitted under SDVOSB rules if structured according to SBA requirements, but the SDVOSB partner must be the managing venturer and receive profits proportionate to ownership.

How to put together a competitive bid

SDVOSB-specific positioning: Emphasize your service-disabled veteran leadership and any prior federal cemetery or memorial construction experience. The VA NCA prioritizes dignified, timely delivery of veterans' burial spaces—demonstrate understanding of this mission.

Technical approach: Cemetery construction requires sensitivity to ongoing operations, environmental compliance (particularly in West Texas' arid climate), and precise grading for drainage and burial layout. Address how you'll work around active gravesites, maintain accessibility, and meet VA design standards for national cemeteries. See the solicitation for specific FCA deficiency items, site plans, and performance requirements.

Past performance: Prepare relevant examples of heavy civil construction, preferably federal projects involving earthwork, utilities, concrete, masonry, or cemetery-specific work. Include CPARS references or comparable documentation.

Pricing strategy: Heavy construction bids require careful material escalation analysis given long lead times. El Paso's location near the Mexican border may affect labor and material availability. Review Davis-Bacon Act wage determinations for the area if applicable, and account for bonding requirements typical for VA construction contracts.

Compliance documentation: Ensure your SAM registration reflects current SDVOSB status, and verify no pending ownership changes or size status challenges exist.

Next steps

1. Read the full solicitation at SAM.gov using solicitation number 36C78626B0028
2. Download all attachments, including drawings, specifications, and FCA deficiency reports defining scope details not shown in this metadata
3. Confirm your SAM registration and SDVOSB certification are current through the response deadline
4. Submit your bid by November 12, 2026 at 10:00 AM Mountain Time—late submissions will not be considered under standard federal acquisition rules

View the official notice on SAM.gov →