Retention Pond Vegetation Removal
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 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), is soliciting quotes for Retention Pond Vegetation Removal services at its Gainesville, FL location. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity, with award anticipated as a firm-fixed-price requirements contract. Quotes are due by May 22, 2026, at 4:00 PM CST.
Scope of Work
This project requires the complete removal of all vegetation within a retention pond, including specified trees and vegetation immediately surrounding it. Key requirements include:
- Removal of all vegetation in the retention pond.
- Removal of specified trees and vegetation immediately around the pond, including stumps.
- Wet debris may be piled for drying before removal.
- All debris must be either hauled off-site or mulched on-site, leaving the area tidy.
- A tracked excavator will be necessary to perform the work.
- The pond is estimated to be 150 feet in diameter and 8 feet below surrounding grade.
- No special permitting is required on-site, but DOT regulations may apply to wet debris transportation.
- Equipment can be left on-site during contractual work.
- The required completion timeframe is 4 weeks from the start of work.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Requirements Contract (Combined Synopsis/Solicitation).
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
- NAICS Code: 561730 (Landscaping/Groundskeeping Services) with a $9.5 Million size standard.
- Place of Performance: USDA-ARS-Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, Gainesville, FL.
- Period of Performance: One-time service, 4 weeks from start of work.
- Wage Determination: U.S. Department of Labor Wage Determination No. 2015-4537, Revision No. 29, applies to Alachua and Gilchrist counties, FL, establishing minimum wage rates and fringe benefits under the Service Contract Act.
Evaluation Criteria
Award will be made to the highest technically rated offeror whose price is fair and reasonable, and whose past performance is acceptable or neutral. Tradeoffs will not be conducted, and the award will not necessarily go to the lowest-priced quote. Evaluation factors include:
- Technical Approach: Demonstrating a sound and compliant approach to all SOW requirements, including a detailed explanation of the capability to remove and dispose of vegetation.
- Price: Must include any quantity price discounts and prompt payment discounts. Pricing for the base period and all individual line items is mandatory and will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness.
- Past Performance: Assessed using provided references, USDA contract history, and sources like CPARS.
Key Dates & Submission
- Questions Due: May 19, 2026, by 3:00 PM CST.
- Quotes Due: May 22, 2026, by 4:00 PM CST.
- Submission Method: Electronically via email to lynn.hults@usda.gov. No faxed or hard copy quotes are allowed.
- Quote Acceptance: Quoters must hold prices firm for 60 calendar days.
- Contact: Lynn Hults, lynn.hults@usda.gov, 912-464-9723.
Additional Notes
Vendors must be active and registered in SAM.gov at the time of quote submission and award. Payment will be made via the Department of the Treasury Invoice Processing Platform (IPP.gov). A site visit was held on May 13, 2026.