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 under RFQ 1232SA26Q0596. This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. An amendment (0001) has been issued to incorporate the Service Contract Act (SCA) Wage Determination. Quotes are due May 18th, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. ET.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide comprehensive grounds maintenance for the USDA-ARS-CENTER FOR BIOLOGICAL CONTROL facility at 6383 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, Florida. Services include:
- Mowing of grass
- Trimming shrubs
- Weeding internal areas between walkways
- Edging of parking lot and walkways
- Sweeping and cleaning all walkways, drives, and parking lot
- Removal of all lawn maintenance debris
- Compliance with all applicable health and safety laws and regulations.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Quotation (RFQ) for commercial items (FAR Part 12)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside
- NAICS Code: 561730 (Landscaping Services), Size Standard: $9.5M
- Period of Performance: One Base Year (May 25, 2026 – May 24, 2027) plus four Option Years, extending through May 24, 2031.
- Questions Due: May 14th, 2026, by 1:00 p.m. ET (via email to Richard.hawthorne@usda.gov)
- Quotes Due: May 18th, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. ET (via email to Richard.hawthorne@usda.gov)
- Site Visit: May 12th, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. ET at 6383 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, FL.
Submission Requirements
Quotes must be on company letterhead and include:
- Vendor Details: SAM.gov UEI Number.
- Technical Documentation: Capability Statement (equipment, personnel, "meets/does not meet" SOW).
- Self-Performance/Subcontracting: State intent; if subcontracting, provide subcontractor's name, UEI, and a signed Letter of Commitment.
- Pricing: Total aggregate price for the Base Year and all Option Years (complete Section 5.0 of SOW).
- Timeline: Estimated lead time/delivery date.
- Validity: Quote must be valid for at least 60 days.
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 superior technical solution, even if not the lowest priced. The Service Contract Act (SCA) Wage Determination (No. 2015-4569, Rev. 30) for Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, and Wakulla Counties, FL, is applicable and must be factored into pricing.
Contact
Richard Hawthorne, richard.hawthorne@usda.gov. All email correspondence must include the solicitation number in the subject line.