Annual NAL Facilities Janitorial Services with 4 Option Years
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) is soliciting proposals for Annual Janitorial Services at the National Agricultural Library (NAL) in Beltsville, MD. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside for a firm-fixed-price requirements contract, consisting of a one-year base period and four one-year option periods, for a total potential duration of five years. Proposals are due by March 18, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide all necessary supervision, labor, supplies, materials, equipment, and training for comprehensive custodial services. This includes basic cleaning, restroom cleaning, and refuse removal for approximately 185,700 square feet of the NAL facility, which contains 36 restrooms. Key tasks involve daily trash collection and recycling, detailed floor maintenance (carpeted and non-carpeted), daily restroom cleaning and restocking, and various miscellaneous cleaning tasks with frequencies ranging from daily to weekly. Special protocols apply to the 5th-floor Special Collections area, requiring government-furnished equipment and staff escort. The contractor must adhere to green cleaning standards, utilizing environmentally preferable, certified products (e.g., EPA Safer Choice, Green Seal) and focusing on PFAS elimination.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Requirements Contract (1 Base Year + 4 Option Years)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business
- NAICS Code: 561720 (Janitorial Services), Size Standard: $22.0 Million
- Place of Performance: National Agricultural Library, 10301 Baltimore Ave, Beltsville, MD 20705
- Service Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., excluding federal holidays.
- Proposal Due Date: March 18, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
Evaluation & Award
Award will be made using the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) method. Technical acceptability requires offerors to demonstrate a sound and compliant approach, meeting all requirements outlined in sections 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 of the Performance Work Statement (PWS) without exceptions. Past performance will be evaluated as acceptable, neutral, or unacceptable. The total price evaluation will include the base period, all option periods, and a potential six-month extension under FAR 52.217-8.
Special Requirements
- Personnel: Contractor personnel must wear uniforms, display USDA-issued badges, and undergo background checks (HSPD-12 security clearance required). Asbestos awareness training is mandatory.
- Equipment & Supplies: Mandatory use of HEPA vacuums. The government will provide specific cleaning equipment (e.g., backpack vacuums, floor burnishers, scrubbers) and supplies for the 5th-floor Special Collections area. The contractor is responsible for all other cleaning supplies and equipment, including Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for hazardous materials.
- Performance Monitoring: A Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) will be used to monitor performance based on results and customer satisfaction. Performance thresholds include a maximum of 5 customer complaints per month for general cleaning and restroom services. Failure to meet standards may result in deductions ($500 per incident after a six-month evaluation) or contract termination.
- Wage Rates: The Service Contract Labor Standards apply, and a Wage Determination is provided, establishing minimum wage rates and fringe benefits for occupations like Janitor and Housekeeping Aide.
- USDA Ombudsman Program: An internal alternative dispute resolution process is available for agency protests.