Green Mountain National Forest – Summer Landscape Maintenance

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the Rochester Ranger Station Landscape Maintenance opportunity.

• Current Contractor: No contractor is currently performing this service.
• Previous Contract: The previous contract number was 12444324P0055. The previous contractor chose not to continue with the next option year.
• Maintenance History: The property has been consistently maintained in accordance with the Statement of Work in recent years, with no gaps or irregularities in recent history.
• Acreage: The estimated acreage for the property is 6 acres.

This Q&A document clarifies aspects of the opportunity, including the status of current and past contracts, maintenance history, and property size, which may inform bidder proposals.

Amendment / Modification

• This amendment (0001) to solicitation 12444326Q0019 is effective 04/16/2026.

• It incorporates the mandatory contract clause 52.222-90, "Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors (Apr 2026)", as required by Executive Order 14398.

• The purpose of this amendment is to incorporate the specified clause.

• Bidders are instructed to acknowledge receipt of this amendment.

• The period of performance is noted as 05/18/2026 to 04/30/2027.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 3-Project Map.docx", provides a landscape overview of the Rochester Ranger Station within the Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forest. It serves as a visual aid and reference for the project area.

• Contains maps and graphical representations of the project area.
• Details the geographical scope and features relevant to the project.

This attachment is crucial for bidders to understand the physical location, boundaries, and key geographical features of the work to be performed. It aids in assessing the scope, logistics, and potential challenges associated with the opportunity.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for Summer Landscape services for the Rochester Ranger Station. The primary goal is to maintain safe access and egress to the workplace and visitor center by ensuring walking-working surfaces are free from recognized hazards, in accordance with OSHA General Duty Clause and related OSHA standards.

• Mowing

• Trimming

• Leaf flowing

• General landscaping

• Period of Performance: May 18, 2026, to April 30, 2027 (initial year).

• The contract includes options for three additional years, extending the period of performance through April 30, 2031.

• Offer Due Date: May 04, 2026, at 1700 ET.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4, and 52.212-5 by reference.

• North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) Code: 561730

• Size Standard: $9.5 Million

• The acquisition is set aside for Small Business.

• The solicitation number is 12444326Q0019.

• The issuing office is USDA-FS CSA EAST 5, Atlanta, GA.

• The contracting officer is David R. Mitchell.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for Summer Landscape Maintenance services for the Green Mountain National Forest, specifically at the Rochester Ranger Station. The goal is to maintain the grounds and landscaped areas to promote safety, accessibility, and a professional appearance consistent with USDA Forest Service standards.

• Maintenance of grounds and landscaped areas.

• Services are required for a base year and four option years.

• Specific details on the scope of work are provided in Attachment 1 - Performance Work Statement.

• A detailed Schedule of Items is provided in Attachment 2.

• Anticipated contract type: Firm-fixed-price requirements contract.

• Period of Performance: One base year with four one-year option periods, not to exceed five years total.

• Offerors must submit pricing for all items to be considered responsive.

• Evaluation will be based on the highest technically rated quotation with fair and reasonable pricing and acceptable or neutral past performance.

• Technical approach, pricing, and past performance will be evaluated.

• Key submission documents include SF-1449, Schedule of Items (Attachment 2), and the Experience Questionnaire (Attachment 5).

• Questions are due by April 23, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST.

• Offers are due by May 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST.

• The document references various clauses related to small business concerns, including "Notice of Total Small Business Aside" and "Utilization of Small Business Concerns."

• Specific set-aside information is not explicitly detailed in the provided pages but is indicated by the presence of these clauses.

• The solicitation incorporates numerous FAR and AGAR clauses by reference.

• Offerors are urged to inspect the site; site visits can be arranged by contacting Katherine Defayette.

• Information regarding agency protests and the USDA Ombudsman Program is included.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To maintain the grounds and landscaped areas of the Rochester Ranger Station, ensuring a safe, clean, and professional appearance consistent with USDA Forest Service standards.

The contractor will provide all labor, supervision, equipment, tools, and materials for landscape maintenance services. This includes:

• Mowing and trimming grass areas to a 3-inch height.

• Trimming grass/herbaceous growth within 3 feet of various features.

• Removing gravel, leaves, fallen limbs, and mowing debris from pavement, walkways, entrances, building perimeters, and HVAC intakes.

• Performing spring cleanup by June 1, including removal of winter debris from paved areas and grassed areas.

• Weeding landscape beds twice annually (June & August).

• Applying mulch or stone annually, matching existing materials.

• Pruning trees and shrubs once per year for clearance, visibility, and healthy growth.

• Base Year: Begins upon contract award.

• Four (4) Option Years: Exercisable at the Government's discretion.

• Provide all necessary personnel, equipment, and tools.

• Maintain a kept appearance of all grounds and landscape beds.

• Protect existing infrastructure, landscaping, and structures from damage.

• Remove and dispose of debris off-site.

• Restore any damaged government property within 14 calendar days at no additional cost.

• Coordinate site access with the COR and secure the gate upon entry and exit.

• Be responsible for transportation of all equipment, tools, materials, and personnel.

• Mowing, Trimming, Blowing: Weekly during the growing season (May-October).

• Landscaping: Spring cleanup by June 1; pruning by Sept 30; weeding in June & August; mulch annually.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "Schedule of Items," outlines the specific tasks, estimated quantities, and pay units for landscape maintenance services at the GMFL Rochester Ranger Station. It serves as a pricing sheet and details the scope of work for the base year and four option years.

• Item 0001: Mowing, trimming, and leaf blowing. Estimated quantity: 20 per service.
• Item 0002: Landscaping services, which are inclusive of spring clean-up, pruning, two instances of weeding, and mulching as described in the SOW. Estimated quantity: 1 per service.
• Period of Performance: The schedule covers a base year (May 18, 2026, to April 30, 2027) and four option years (May 1, 2027, to April 30, 2031).
• Vendor Information: Requires vendor name, UEI, signature, and date of signature. Failure to complete this section may lead to proposal rejection.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the specific services required, the estimated quantities for each service, and the pricing structure. It details the scope of landscaping work, including specific inclusions for the 'Landscaping' item. Bidders must use this schedule to prepare their pricing proposals accurately. The requirement to fill out vendor information underscores its importance in the proposal submission process.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division Wage Determination (No. 2015-4139, Revision No. 32) applicable to the Service Contract Act. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations in specific counties and towns within Vermont.

• Lists specific counties and towns in Vermont covered by this determination.
• Provides a detailed list of occupations with corresponding minimum hourly wage rates.
• Includes information on required fringe benefits, health and welfare provisions, paid sick leave (EO 13706), vacation, and holidays.
• Outlines the process for conforming to additional classifications and wage rates not listed.

Bidders must use this document to understand the minimum labor costs associated with performing services under the contract in the specified Vermont locations. It is crucial for accurate cost proposal development and ensuring compliance with federal labor laws.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document consists of three forms intended to collect information from offerors regarding their past performance, equipment, and personnel. These forms are designed to help the government evaluate a bidder's capability to successfully perform the solicited requirements.

• Past Performance & Experience Form: Requires listing projects completed within the last 3 years that are similar to the solicited requirements. It asks for project title/location, year completed, project owner, point of contact, and a brief description including scope, size, cost, and prime/sub status.
• Equipment Form: Requires listing all equipment that will be used to complete the project requirements. It asks for make, model, year, and description/specifications of the equipment.
• Personnel Form: Requires listing personnel assigned to the project. It asks for name, position, years of experience, and relevant background/experience/skills.

Bidders must complete these forms accurately and thoroughly to demonstrate their qualifications and capacity to meet the contract's needs. The information provided will be a critical component of the evaluation process, allowing the government to assess the bidder's experience, resources, and team capabilities.