Baldwin-White Cloud Snowplow in the Huron Manistee National Forest

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding a requirement, clarifying aspects of the solicitation.

• Previous Awards: This is a new requirement with no previous contractors.
• Historical Usage Data: The government typically plows 15-20 times per season and salts every other plow.
• Response Times: No specific response time requirements beyond those stated in the SOW for emergency or weekend events.
• On-site Storage: On-site equipment or material storage is not permitted.
• Site Visits: Site visits are permitted and recommended prior to submitting a quote; the site is open to the public.
• Occurrences per Season: The estimated 20 occurrences per season is a historical average, but the government will only contract for a maximum of 20 occurrences.
• Access Restrictions: No specific access restrictions, gate codes, or security procedures are anticipated for contractors.

No impact on requirements, due dates, or submission rules was noted in the provided Q&A.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items for snowplow services for the Huron-Manistee National Forest, Baldwin-White Cloud Ranger District. It serves as the only solicitation, and offers are being requested.

• The core requirement is snowplow services for the Baldwin-White Cloud Ranger District.

• Specific details regarding the Statement of Work (SOW) are provided in Attachment A.

• A Schedule of Items is detailed in Attachment B.

• A Wage Determination is provided in Attachment C.

• A Site Map is included as Exhibit A.

• The anticipated contract type is a firm-fixed-price requirements contract.

• The period of performance includes one (1) one-year base period and four (4) one-year option periods, for a total potential duration of five (5) years.

• Contractor invoices are to be submitted in arrears, with no advance payments authorized. Invoices are to be submitted via the electronic Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).

• Offers are due by 8 February 2026, 4:00 PM Eastern Time, and must be submitted via email to lawrence.jackson@usda.gov.

• Offers must include a technical proposal, a price proposal, and contractor representations and certifications.

• The Price Proposal must include the completed Schedule of Items (Attachment A) and acknowledgement of any amendments.

• Technical Specifications should include a list of equipment and personnel.

• Past Performance will be evaluated based on references, past contracts/orders with USDA, and information from sources like CPARS.

• Questions regarding the solicitation are due by 10 February 2026, 4:00 PM Eastern Time, and should be directed to Lawrence Jackson at lawrence.jackson@usda.gov.

• Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government, based on Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) criteria.

• Technical Acceptability will be rated as "acceptable" or "unacceptable" based on the offeror's ability to meet requirements.

• Past Performance will be rated as "acceptable," "neutral," or "unacceptable."

• This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• The applicable North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) Code is 561790.

• The small business size standard is $9 million.

• All responsible sources meeting the small business criteria may submit a quotation.

• Offerors must have an active entity registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) to submit an offer.

• The solicitation incorporates numerous FAR and AGAR clauses and provisions by reference, which are detailed throughout the document.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for a Snowplow and Salt contract for the USDA Forest Service, Baldwin Ranger District, located in Michigan. The service is for housekeeping related snow removal and salt application.

• Snowplow and salt services for the Baldwin-White Cloud Ranger District office.

• Removal of snow over 3 inches deep.

• Application of salt at a rate of 120 pounds per 1000 sqft (for 60,000 sqft).

• Service to be performed up to 20 times during specified periods.

• The contract is for a base period and four option years.

• Base Period of Performance: 02/12/2026 to 02/11/2027.

• Option Year 1: 02/12/2027 to 02/11/2028.

• Option Year 2: 02/12/2028 to 02/11/2029.

• Option Year 3: 02/12/2029 to 02/11/2030.

• Option Year 4: 02/12/2030 to 02/11/2031.

• Offer Due Date: 02/10/2026 at 1600 EST.

• The solicitation number is 1244452600002.

• The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code is 561790.

• Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses 52.212-1, 52.212-3, and 52.212-4 are incorporated by reference.

• The acquisition is set aside for Small Business (100%).

• The solicitation is issued by USDA-FS CSA EAST 6 in Atlanta, GA.

• Delivery is FOB Destination.

• Payment will be made by USDA-FS CSA EAST 6.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment B - Schedule of Items.xlsx", provides the detailed schedule of items and pricing structure for the BWC Snowplow project at the Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District, Huron-Manistee National Forests. It is intended for bidders to use for submitting their pricing. The accompanying "Instructions" sheet clarifies the purpose and use of Independent Government Estimates (IGEs) and explains the different tabs within the spreadsheet.

• Project Title: BWC SNOWPLOW
• Period of Performance: Includes a Base Year (02/12/2026 - 02/11/2027) and four Option Years (2027-2031).
• Items: Details two primary items for each period:
  • Snow removal over 3 inches
  • Salt (120 pounds, estimated for 60,000 sqft coverage)
• Units: Items are priced per Each (EA).
• Pricing: Columns for "Unit Price" and "Total Price" are provided for bidders to complete.
• Instructions: Guidance on creating an Independent Government Estimate (IGE) and explanations for different spreadsheet tabs (Stand Alone IGE, IDIQ, Task Order).

Bidders must use this schedule to provide their unit and total pricing for snow removal and salt services. The estimated quantities and performance periods are outlined, guiding the proposal submission. Contractors are required to submit pricing for all items. The document also notes that the award is anticipated to be a firm-fixed-price contract.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items to procure snowplow services for the Huron-Manistee National Forest, Baldwin-White Cloud Ranger District. It serves as the only solicitation, and offers are being requested.

• The primary service is snowplowing for the Baldwin-White Cloud Ranger District.

• Detailed requirements are outlined in Attachment A – Statement of Work.

• A Schedule of Items is provided in Attachment B.

• Wage Determination information is in Attachment C.

• A Site Map is included as Exhibit A.

• The anticipated contract type is a firm-fixed-price requirements contract.

• The period of performance includes one (1) one-year base period and four (4) one-year option periods, for a total duration not to exceed five (5) years.

• Base Year: 02/12/2026 – 02/11/2027

• Option Years 1-4: Extend through 02/11/2031.

• Offers must be submitted via email to lawrence.jackson@usda.gov by 02/09/2026, 4:00 PM eastern.

• Offers must include a technical proposal, price proposal, and contractor representations and certifications.

• The submission requires four separate attachments: Price Proposal, Technical Specifications, Past Performance, and Representations and Certifications.

• Questions regarding the solicitation are due by 02/13/2026, 4:00 PM eastern, and should be directed to Lawrence Jackson.

• Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government, based on Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) criteria.

• Evaluation factors include Price and Technical Acceptability. Past Performance will also be considered.

• This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• The applicable North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) Code is 561790, with a small business size standard of $9 million.

• All responsible sources meeting the small business criteria may submit a quotation.

• Offerors must have an active entity registration in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• The solicitation incorporates numerous FAR and AGAR clauses and provisions by reference, which are detailed throughout the document.

• Invoices are to be submitted via the electronic Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for a snowplow and salt contract to provide services for the Baldwin-White Cloud Ranger District in Michigan. The contract aims to ensure the accessibility and safety of the district office during winter months.

• Snow removal services for over 3 inches of snow.

• Application of salt at a rate of 120 pounds per 1000 sqft.

• Services are to be performed approximately 20 times per season.

• The primary service is "HOUSEKEEPING- SNOW REMOVAL/SALT".

• The base period of performance is from 02/12/2026 to 02/11/2031.

• The solicitation includes option years for potential extension of services.

• The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code is 561790.

• The offer due date is 02/13/2026 at 1600 EST.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses 52.212-1, 52.212-4, and 52.212-5 by reference, with addenda.

• The acquisition is currently set aside as 100.00% Unrestricted.

• The solicitation is issued by USDA-FS CSA East 6, located in Atlanta, GA.

• Delivery is FOB Destination.

• Payment will be made by USDA-FS CSA East 6.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, prepared in accordance with FAR Part 12, for snowplow services for the Baldwin-White Cloud Ranger District Office. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation, and offers are being requested. The acquisition is set aside for small business concerns.

• Snowplow services for the Baldwin-White Cloud Ranger District Office.

• Specific requirements are detailed in Attachment B – Schedule of Items.

• Technical data and supporting documentation are available in the solicitation attachments, including Attachment A – Statement of Work and Attachment B – Schedule of Items.

• Anticipated contract type: Requirements contract.

• Period of Performance: One (1) one-year base period and four (4) one-year option periods, for a total duration not exceeding five (5) years.

• Base Year: 02/12/2026 – 02/11/2027

• Option Year 1: 02/12/2027 – 02/11/2028

• Option Year 2: 02/12/2028 – 02/11/2029

• Option Year 3: 02/12/2029 – 02/11/2030

• Option Year 4: 02/12/2030 – 02/11/2031

• Submission Deadline: Offers must be delivered by email to lawrence.jackson@usda.gov by February 9, 2026, 4:00 PM Eastern.

• Submission Format: Offers must include a technical proposal, price proposal, and contractor representations and certifications. These should be submitted as four separate attachments (Price Proposal, Technical Specifications, Past Performance, and Representations and Certifications) in Microsoft Word, Excel, or Adobe PDF format.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government, based on Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) for a Service Contract.

  • Price: Evaluated based on pricing in Attachment A – Schedule of Items, including all option periods and potential extension under FAR 52.217-8.
  • Technical Acceptability: Evaluated as "acceptable" or "unacceptable" based on the offeror's ability to meet all requirements. A detailed explanation of how services will be accomplished is required.
  • Past Performance: Evaluated as "acceptable," "neutral," or "unacceptable" based on prior contract performance.

• Questions Deadline: Questions are due by February 13, 2026, 4:00 PM Eastern, to lawrence.jackson@usda.gov.

• This acquisition is set aside for small business concerns.

• Offerors must have an active entity registration in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• Invoices must be submitted electronically via the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) at https://www.ipp.gov. Vendor registration is mandatory.

• A site visit is recommended (FAR 52.237-1).

• Specific FAR and AGAR clauses and provisions are incorporated by reference and full text, including those related to DEI compliance (AGAR 452.222-71) and telecommunications equipment (FAR 52.204-24, FAR 52.204-26).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment B - Schedule of Items.xlsx", provides the detailed schedule of items and pricing structure for the BWC Snowplow Workplan acquisition. It is intended to be used by bidders to submit their pricing and by the government for evaluation and contract award. The "Instructions" sheet explains the purpose and use of Independent Government Estimates (IGEs) and the different tabs within the spreadsheet.

• Project Title: BWC SNOWPLOW
• Period of Performance: Base Year (02/12/2026 - 02/11/2027) with four Option Years extending through 02/11/2031.
• Items: Includes snow removal (over 3") and salt (120 pounds) for specific seasonal periods within each performance year.
• Units: Items are priced "EA" (Each).
• Pricing: Bidders are required to provide Unit Price and Total Price for all listed items.
• Contract Type: Award anticipated to be a firm fixed price contract.

Bidders must use this schedule to accurately price the required snow removal and salt services for the specified periods. The provided quantities and descriptions outline the scope of work for which pricing is required. Contractors must submit pricing for all items, and the government will use this information to evaluate price reasonableness and make a firm fixed price award. The document also clarifies that an IGE is used internally by the government for estimating and evaluation purposes.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To provide snow removal services for the Huron-Manistee National Forests Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger Station in Baldwin, MI.

• Services: Plowing and salting of parking areas and driveways.

• Locations: As shown on the attached map and coordinated with the COR.

• Plowing Requirements (Item 1):

  • Trigger: 3" or more of new snow on weekdays (M-F).
  • Timing: Outside of business hours (6 AM - 6 PM), completed before 6 AM.
  • Weekend/Overnight Snow: May be plowed Sunday evening if no additional snow is expected.
  • Coordination: If Forest Service clears snow, coordinate with COR before plowing.
  • Includes: Mobilization and overhead costs.
  • Additional Plowings: May be requested by COR at the same bid rate.

• Salting Requirements (Item 2):

  • Trigger: When temperatures are above 20°F and conditions require it for safety.
  • Method: Applied by vehicle-mounted spreading equipment.
  • Availability: Contractor must have materials and equipment available within 24 hours of COR request.

• Damage: Contractor is responsible for any damage to site improvements, government, or private property.

• Service Contract Act (SCA): Contract is subject to SCA, affecting minimum pay rates and benefits. Wage Determination rates are attached.

• Base Year: 2025-2026 winter season.

• Option Years: Four option years, covering winter seasons from 2025-2026 through 2029-2030.

• Location: Huron-Manistee National Forests Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger Station in Baldwin, MI.

• Work Tracking: Contractor must send text or email to COR within 24 hours of work performed.

• Performance: 2 or more missed occurrences (plowing or salting) will be considered Unsatisfactory.

• Holidays: No snow removal on National Holidays unless negotiated.

• Award: Best Value to the Government, considering price, capability, and reserve capacity.

• Invoicing: Monthly payments possible. Submit electronic invoices (PDF) to COR via email and IPP.gov. Invoices must list date and description of work.

• Payment: Payments made electronically after approval.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel spreadsheet containing a Schedule of Items for the BWC Snowplow Workplan Acquisition. It is intended to be used for generating an Independent Government Estimate (IGE) and for contractors to provide pricing. The 'Instructions' sheet provides guidance on how to use the form and the purpose of an IGE.

• Project Title: BWC SNOWPLOW
• Workplan Acquisition Plan/Requisition No: 1161584
• Periods of Performance: Includes a Base Year (01/12/2026 - 01/11/2027) and four Option Years (2027-2031).
• Items: Details two primary items for each period:
  • Snow removal over 3" (specified dates)
  • Salt (120 pounds, calculated for 60,000 sqft)
• Pay Unit: Each (EA)
• Estimated Quantity: 20 for each item per period.
• Unit Price & Total Price: Fields are provided for government estimate and contractor pricing.
• Contract Type: Anticipated to be a firm fixed price contract.

Bidders must use this schedule to understand the estimated quantities and types of services required for snow removal and salting. They need to provide unit and total pricing for each item across the base and option years. This document is crucial for developing a compliant and competitive proposal. Contractors must submit pricing for all items. The award is anticipated to be a firm fixed price contract.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a solicitation for snowplow and salt services for the Huron-Manistee National Forest, Baldwin-White Cloud Ranger District in Michigan. The services are required to maintain safe access during winter months.

• Snow removal for accumulations of over 3 inches.

• Application of salt at a rate of 120 pounds per 1000 sqft (for 60,000 sqft).

• Services to be performed approximately 20 times during specific periods.

• The contract is for commercial items.

• The period of performance for the base year is from 01/12/2026 to 01/11/2027.

• The solicitation includes option years, extending the contract through 01/11/2031.

• The offer due date is 01/09/2026 at 1600 ES.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses 52.212-1, 52.212-3, and 52.212-5 by reference.

• The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code is 561790.

• The solicitation is set aside 100.00% for Small Business.

• The delivery location is USDA Forest Service, Baldwin Ranger Station, 650 North Michigan Avenue, Baldwin MI 49304.

• The issuing office is USDA-FS CSA East 6, Atlanta, GA.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To provide snow removal services for the Huron-Manistee National Forests Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger Station in Baldwin, MI.

• Service Period: Base year (2025-2026) and four option years (through 2029-2030 winter seasons).

• Tasks: Includes plowing of parking areas and driveways, and salting of parking lots.

• Plowing: Triggered by 3" or more of new snow. Must be completed outside of business hours (before 6 AM). Plowing may occur on Sunday evening if snow falls over the weekend and no additional overnight snow is expected. Coordination with the COR (Contracting Officer's Representative) is required if the Forest Service clears snow themselves.

• Salting: Application of deicing chemical (salt) when temperatures are above 20°F. Contractor must have materials and equipment available to salt within 24 hours of COR request.

• Materials & Equipment: Contractor shall provide all necessary materials, equipment, and labor.

• Damage: Contractor is responsible for any damage to site improvements, government property, or private property on site during performance. Damage must be reported within 24 hours.

• Service Contract Act (SCA): Contract is subject to SCA, affecting minimum wage rates and benefits for employees. Wage Determination rates are attached.

• Work Tracking: Contractor must send text or email to COR within 24 hours of work performed.

• Performance: 2 or more missed occurrences of plowing or salting will be considered unsatisfactory.

• Holidays: No snow removal on National Holidays unless otherwise negotiated.

• Location: Huron-Manistee National Forests Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger Station, Baldwin, MI.

• Seasons: 2025-2026 through 2029-2030 winter seasons.

• Award: Best value to the Government, considering price, capability, and reserve capacity.

• Invoicing: Monthly payments accepted. Invoices must be submitted electronically (PDF) to COR via email and through IPP.gov, listing dates and descriptions of work.

• Snow Storage: Locations to be coordinated with COR and shown on an attached map. Use of additional areas requires prior approval.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, prepared in accordance with FAR Part 12. It serves as the only solicitation, and no separate written solicitation will be issued. The acquisition is a set-aside for small business concerns. The government is procuring snowplow services for the Baldwin-White Cloud Ranger District Office.

• Services related to snowplow operations for the Baldwin-White Cloud Ranger District Office.

• Specific requirements are detailed in Attachment A – Statement of Work.

• Technical data and supporting documentation are available in the solicitation attachments.

• Anticipated contract type: Requirements contract.

• Period of Performance:

  • Base Year: 01/12/2026 – 01/11/2027
  • Option Year 1: 01/12/2027 – 01/11/2028
  • Option Year 2: 01/12/2028 – 01/11/2029
  • Option Year 3: 01/12/2029 – 01/11/2030
  • Option Year 4: 01/12/2030 – 01/11/2031

• Total duration not to exceed five (5) years and six (6) months (including potential extension under FAR 52.217-8).

• The government intends to make one award.

• Submission Deadline: 9 January 2026, 4:00 PM Eastern.

• Submission Method: Email to lawrence.jackson@usda.gov with four separate attachments (Price Proposal, Technical Specifications, Past Performance, Representations and Certifications).

• Questions Deadline: 6 January 2026, 4:00 PM Eastern to lawrence.jackson@usda.gov.

• Evaluation Criteria: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) for a service contract.

  • Price: Evaluated based on pricing in Attachment A – Schedule of Items, including all option periods and potential extension under FAR 52.217-8.
  • Technical Acceptability: Must meet all requirements and demonstrate a thorough understanding. Requires a detailed explanation of how services will be accomplished.
  • Past Performance: Evaluated as Acceptable, Neutral, or Unacceptable based on prior contract performance.

• Award will be made to the lowest priced offeror that is technically acceptable and has acceptable or neutral past performance.

• This acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns.

• Offerors must have an active entity registration in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• Relevant attachments include: Attachment A – Statement of Work, Attachment B – Schedule of Items, Attachment C – Wage Determination, Exhibit A – Site Map.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR and AGAR clauses by reference; full text is available at www.acquisition.gov.

• A site visit is recommended (FAR 52.237-1).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Wage Determination (WD) issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division, under the Service Contract Act. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations performing work on a contract in specific geographic areas.

• Geographic Area: Michigan Counties of Gratiot, Huron, Isabella, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, Sanilac, Shiawassee, Tuscola.
• Occupational Listings: Provides a comprehensive list of job titles (e.g., Accounting Clerk, Customer Service Representative, Electrician, Mechanic, various IT roles, etc.) with corresponding minimum hourly wage rates.
• Fringe Benefits: Specifies required fringe benefits, including Health & Welfare ($5.55/hour) and paid vacation (starting at 2 weeks after 1 year of service) and holidays (minimum 14 per year).
• Executive Orders: Notes applicability of Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (Establishing a Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors), with specific rates and conditions.
• Footnotes: Includes specific details for certain occupations, such as Computer Employees (exemptions and conformance process) and Air Traffic Controllers/Weather Observers (night/Sunday pay).
• Hazardous Pay: Outlines differentials for hazardous work.
• Uniform Allowance: Details requirements for uniform provision and maintenance.
• Conformance Process: Explains the process for classifying and determining wages for occupations not listed in the determination.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the labor costs associated with performing the contract. It dictates the minimum wages and benefits that must be paid to employees working on the contract, directly impacting proposal pricing and overall cost. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages meet or exceed these requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an "Exhibit A - Site Map" which visually depicts the grounds of a facility, likely for the purpose of outlining service areas or operational plans. It includes annotations indicating "Plow Snow Storage" and shows proposed routes or areas marked with blue lines and red circles.

• Aerial view of buildings and parking lots.
• Blue lines indicating potential plowing routes or service paths.
• Red circles highlighting specific areas of interest, possibly obstacles, landscaping features, or areas requiring special attention.
• Text annotation for "Plow Snow Storage" indicating a designated area for snow accumulation.

This site map is crucial for bidders involved in grounds maintenance, snow removal, landscaping, or facility services. It provides a visual guide to the physical layout of the property, specific areas that require service (indicated by blue lines), and potential challenges or designated zones (red circles, snow storage areas). Bidders should use this map to understand the scope of work, plan their operations, and accurately estimate resources needed for services related to the site.