Grounds Maintenance
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Tallahassee, FL, is soliciting quotations for Grounds Maintenance services via Request for Quotation (RFQ) 1232SA26Q0596. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity. The contract will consist of a Base Year plus four Option Years, with an estimated performance period from May 25, 2026, to May 24, 2031. Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government, considering Price and Technical Capability. Quotes are due by May 18, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide comprehensive grounds maintenance for approximately 0.3 acres at the USDA-ARS-CENTER FOR BIOLOGICAL CONTROL in Tallahassee, FL. Key services include:
- Mowing of grass
- Trimming shrubs as needed
- Weeding of internal areas between walkways
- Edging of parking lot and walkway
- Sweeping and cleaning all walkways, drives, and parking lot
- Removal of all lawn maintenance debris from the premises
- Compliance with all applicable health and safety laws and regulations.
Contract Details & Timeline
- Contract Type: Request for Quotation (RFQ) for commercial items.
- Duration: Base Year (May 25, 2026 – May 24, 2027) plus four Option Years (up to May 24, 2031).
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business.
- NAICS Code: 561730 (Landscaping Services), with a $9.5M small business size standard.
- Place of Performance: 6383 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, Florida 32308.
- Site Visit: May 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. ET at the performance location.
- Questions Due: May 14, 2026, by 1:00 p.m. ET via email to Richard.hawthorne@usda.gov.
- Quotes Due: May 18, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. ET via email to Richard.hawthorne@usda.gov.
Submission Requirements
Quotes must be on company letterhead and include:
- Vendor Details: SAM.gov UEI Number.
- Technical Documentation: A brief Capability Statement detailing equipment, personnel, and a "meets/does not meet" statement for the Statement of Work (SOW) tasks.
- Self-Performance/Subcontracting: State whether work will be self-performed or subcontracted. If subcontracting, provide the subcontractor's company name and a signed Letter of Commitment (subcontractor UEI is not required per Amendment 0002).
- Pricing: Total aggregate price for the Base Year and all Option Years (complete section 5.0 of the SOW).
- Timeline: Estimated lead time/delivery date.
- Validity: Quote must be valid for at least 60 days.
- All email correspondence must include the solicitation number in the subject line.
Evaluation & Award
Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government, based on a comparative evaluation of Price and Technical Capability. The Government reserves the right to select a technically superior solution, even if it is not the lowest priced. The Service Contract Act (SCA) Wage Determination (No. 2015-4569, Revision No. 30) applies to this acquisition, covering specific Florida counties.