USAG Ranges & Airfields Grounds Maintenance

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation W91247-26-Q-A015, clarifying terms and conditions. Questions were accepted through May 8, 2026. Any changes to the solicitation will be issued via formal amendment.

• Incumbent Contractor: FITT Scientific, LLC, Contract Number: W900KK-24-F-0158.
• Equipment Storage: Limited on-site storage is available at Mackall and Simmons Airfields at the contractor's risk. Storage at Fort Bragg locations is tentative; Pope AAF does not offer on-site storage.
• Equipment Use: Autonomous or unmanned mowing/vegetation cutting equipment is prohibited due to safety and interference concerns. Manned equipment operated by qualified personnel is required.
• Fuel Tanks: Potential Government fuel tank locations are being evaluated. If authorized, contractors will be responsible for all costs associated with fueling and operating them.
• Maintenance Basis: Vegetation maintenance is performance-based, not strictly schedule-based. Scheduling guidance will be provided by Range Operations.
• Perimeter Fencing: Maintenance includes interior airfield perimeter fencing only. External base fencing is excluded. Some perimeter fencing at Mackall AAF is maintained under a separate contract.
• Radios: Government radios may be temporarily issued to designated contractor personnel for operational communication.
• Site Hazards: Performance locations may include wetlands, uneven terrain, sinkholes, active operational areas, low-flying aircraft, and protected species habitats. Contractors must remain observant.
• Weed Control: Use of herbicides/pesticides must comply with all applicable regulations and requires coordination with the COR and Airfield Operations prior to application.
• Wage Determination: The most current Wage Determination (WD 2015-4377 Revision 31 dated March 30, 2026) applies, superseding prior revisions.
• Experience: The three-year relevant work experience requirement can be met by multiple past performance references collectively demonstrating three years of experience.
• Equipment Procurement: If equipment is not owned/leased, a written narrative describing the procurement approach is sufficient; vendor quotes are not required but encouraged.
• Acreage Changes: Acreage changes within 5% are generally within the firm-fixed-price scope. Material changes affecting scope, effort, or schedule may be addressed via contract modification.
• Weekend Work: Weekend work is permitted at straight time rates if coordinated in advance and personnel do not exceed 40 hours per week.
• Workload Data: Historical workload data is informational only. Offerors may propose alternate labor mixes and staffing approaches, provided PWS requirements are met.

This Q&A clarifies requirements and potential operational aspects, aiding bidders in proposal preparation. It does not modify the solicitation's terms and conditions but provides essential details for understanding the scope and execution of the work.

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This PWS outlines the requirements for comprehensive Range and Airfield Grass Cutting and Grounds Maintenance services at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and surrounding installations (Pope Army Airfield, Camp Mackall Army Airfield, Simmons Army Airfield, and Range Control).

• Services: Includes grass cutting, mowing, trimming, bush hogging, policing (trash removal), and other general grounds maintenance across approximately 3,217 acres.

• Locations: Fort Bragg, Pope Army Airfield (PAAF), Camp Mackall Army Airfield (MAAF), Simmons Army Airfield (SAAF), and Range Control.

• Maintenance Areas: Covers ranges, training areas, airfield environments (including runway and taxiway fence lines), and areas around various infrastructure like bleachers, signs, and lights.

• Grass Height Requirements:

  • Ranges and Training Areas: Not to exceed six (6) inches.
  • Airfields: Between six (6) to twelve (12) inches to manage wildlife hazards.

• Seasonal Adjustments: Maintenance activities will be adjusted for the growing season (March-October) and limited growing season (November-February).

• Compliance: Work must meet all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, directives, and other requirements (LOR).

• Quality: Performance is measured against specific objectives and standards outlined in the PWS, with data collected for CPARS ratings.

• Timeliness: Specific tasks have defined acceptable quality levels (e.g., 100% for legal compliance, 97% for grass height and mowing standards).

• Period: Base period of twelve (12) months with four (4) option years of twelve (12) months each.

• Place: Fort Bragg, Pope AAF, Camp Mackall AAF, Simmons AAF, and Range Control, North Carolina.

• Hours of Operation: Generally 6:00 am - 4:30 pm EST, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays. Specific hours vary by location.

• Security: Contractor personnel must possess Homeland Security Installation Access Control Badges, comply with security plans, and undergo background checks. Specific training (AT Level I, iWATCH, Counterintelligence) is required.

• Personnel: Must include a Project Manager (PM) and Quality Control Manager (QCM). Key personnel must be designated and available. U.S. residency and English language proficiency are required.

• Equipment: Contractor must furnish all necessary equipment, which must meet applicable laws and regulations. Autonomous mowing equipment is prohibited on airfields and ranges.

• Safety: Contractor must comply with Army Safety Program (AR 385-10), develop and implement a Safety Plan and Spill Plan, and adhere to environmental and OSHA regulations.

• Deliverables: Includes traffic flow notifications, damage reports, security program submissions, training certificates, safety plans, spill plans, SDS, and monthly schedule reports.

• Government Furnished: Government will provide radios, water, waste removal, electricity, and heating for facilities. Police and fire protection are also provided.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP).

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to the solicitation W91247-26-Q-A015 makes the following changes:

• Incorporates the Government's responses to contractor-submitted questions.

• Incorporates a revised Attachment 01-Performance Work Statement (PWS), with all changes highlighted in red.

• Attachment 01-Performance Work Statement (PWS)

• No explicit changes to proposal deadlines or submission requirements are detailed in this amendment, but bidders should review the revised PWS and the incorporated Q&A for any impact on their proposals.

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This PWS outlines the requirements for comprehensive Range and Airfield Grounds Maintenance services at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and associated locations (Pope Army Airfield, Camp Mackall, Simmons Army Airfield).

• Services: Includes grass cutting, mowing, bush hogging, policing, edging, trimming, and general grounds maintenance for approximately 3,217 acres.

• Locations: Fort Bragg, Pope Army Airfield (PAAF), Camp Mackall (MAAF), Simmons Army Airfield (SAAF), and Range Control.

• Maintenance Schedule: Tasks are performed year-round, with increased activity during the growing season (March-October) and adjusted activities during the limited growing season (November-February).

• Grass Height: Ranges and Training areas: not to exceed 6 inches during the growing season (4-week cycle) and limited growing season (6-8 week cycle). Airfields: between 6 to 12 inches, not exceeding 12 inches.

• Mowing: Uniform height without skipping or gaps; avoid scalping, uneven mowing, and damage to trees/shrubs. Weed eaters for areas with rocks/debris. Cantonment areas require inspection and cleaning before mowing.

• Trimming: Around shrubbery, trees, signposts, poles, fences, etc., without causing damage.

• Traffic Flow: Maintain free flow of traffic; street closures over 30 minutes require 14 days' written notice to KO, emergency closures coordinated with COR/ACOR.

• Period of Performance: Base period of 12 months with four (4) 12-month option years.

• Place of Performance: Fort Bragg, Pope AAF, Camp Mackall AAF, Simmons AAF, Range Control, North Carolina.

• Hours of Operation: Generally 6:00 AM - 4:30 PM EST, Monday-Friday, excluding Federal holidays. Specific hours vary by location (e.g., PAAF 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM).

• Security: Homeland Security Installation Access Control Badge required. Personnel must understand, speak, read, and write English. Various security training (AT Level I, iWATCH, Counterintelligence) is mandatory.

• Personnel: U.S. Residency required for CONUS employees. Key personnel (Project Manager, Quality Control Manager) must be designated. Specific certifications and licenses are required (e.g., OSHA, EPA).

• Government Furnished: Radios for airfield operations, water, waste removal, sewer, electricity, heating. Police, fire, and emergency medical services are provided by the Government.

• Contractor Furnished: All other necessary supplies, equipment, facilities, and services.

• Deliverables: Includes traffic flow notifications, security program, training certificates, quality control plan, monthly schedule reports, and more, as detailed in the Deliverables Schedule.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or services for Ranges and Airfields Grounds Maintenance Services at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The acquisition is set-aside 100% for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) concerns.

The solicitation details various grounds maintenance services for USAG Ranges and Airfields, including growing season and limited growing season maintenance. Services are to be performed in accordance with the Performance Work Statement (PWS) 5.0 and Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price

• Period of Performance: One twelve-month base period (June 1, 2026 - May 31, 2027) and four twelve-month option periods.

• Option Year 1: June 1, 2027 - May 31, 2028

• Option Year 2: June 1, 2028 - May 31, 2029

• Option Year 3: June 1, 2029 - May 31, 2030

• Option Year 4: June 1, 2030 - May 31, 2031

• Offers must be submitted electronically to the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist by the closing date and time.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• NAICS Code: 561730 "Landscaping Services" with a Small Business Size Standard of $9.5M.

• A site visit is scheduled for May 5-6, 2026.

• Technical questions (RFIs) must be submitted by 12:00 P.M EST on May 8, 2026.

• Offers must be submitted by 10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on May 18, 2026.

• Evaluation will be based on a Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA) method, considering Technical Capability, Past Performance, and Price.

• This acquisition is set-aside 100% for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) concerns.

• Referenced documents (Technical Exhibits and Attachments) are available on the SAM.gov website.

• The Performance Work Statement (PWS) and Range Acreage List are provided as attachments. Range Maps will be distributed at the site visit.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides a breakdown of acreage for various range and airfield locations, likely for the purpose of defining the scope of services related to mowing or land management.

• Lists specific "Areas of Interest" including airfields (e.g., Pope Army Airfield, Simmons Army Airfield) and impact/radio sites.
• Provides the "Area Size" in acres for each location.
• Specifies the "Area Unit of Measure" as AC (acres).
• Summarizes total acreage, airfield acreage, and range acreage.

This attachment is crucial for bidders to understand the physical scope of work. It quantifies the total area and specific sub-areas that may require services such as mowing, landscaping, or other land maintenance. Bidders should use this information to estimate resource needs, personnel, equipment, and to formulate their pricing strategy.