Gardening Services for the Embassy of the United States of America in Doha, Qatar

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the "Gardening Services for the Embassy Compound" solicitation (RFQ 19QA1026Q0005).

• Submission Method: Proposals must be submitted electronically, not via courier or hand delivery.
• Contract Award: The James Zadroga tax is not applicable as the contract award is below the SAT amount.
• Separate Solicitations: The Embassy and Chief of Mission Residence (CMR) gardening services are two separate solicitations (19QA1026Q0004 and 19QA1026Q0005), requiring two separate quotations.
• Safety Officer: A dedicated safety officer is not required on-site, but the company's safety officer must provide monthly training.
• Supervision: One qualified supervisor is required to oversee both the Embassy and CMR contracts simultaneously. For the CMR, a full-time on-site supervisor is not required at all times, but a project manager is needed for periodic inspection.
• Irrigation Systems: Irrigation systems are fully automatic with timers/controllers and zoning. The Embassy will handle the maintenance of irrigation pumps, water tanks, and controllers (timers).
• Spare Parts: The Embassy will provide irrigation spare parts during the maintenance period.
• Plant Replacement: The contractor is responsible for negligence, but the Embassy covers replacement for damaged or worn-out plant materials due to damage or lifecycle completion.
• Seasonal Flowers & Fertilizer: These are the contractor's responsibility.
• Green Waste Disposal: The company is responsible for taking green waste off-site.
• Water Source: The water source is treated water from Kahramaa.
• Security: Fit-to-work certificates and HMC cards are required for all workers. Machinery must be certified. Gate passes are required for personnel and vehicles.
• Transition Period: The security clearance process typically takes 8 to 12 weeks.

These clarifications provide essential details for bidders to accurately prepare their proposals, understand the scope of work, and comply with submission requirements. Bidders should ensure their proposals address these points, particularly regarding separate quotations for the two RFQs and the specific responsibilities for maintenance and supplies.

Amendment / Modification

• This amendment adds Attachment No. 1 - Questions & Answers to the solicitation.

• Attachment No. 1 (Questions & Answers) is added.

• The amendment indicates that the time and date for receipt of offers is NOT extended. Bidders are required to acknowledge receipt of this amendment and return one copy to the issuing office.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for gardening services for the U.S. Embassy in Doha, Qatar. The U.S. Government intends to award a contract to the responsible company submitting the lowest priced, technically acceptable offer.

• Comprehensive gardening and landscape maintenance services for all designated spaces at the U.S. Embassy Doha, Qatar.

• Services include furnishing all labor, material, equipment, and services.

• Specific tasks include grass cutting, edging, trimming, weeding, turf repair, pruning, leaf removal, debris removal, watering, fertilizing, pest and disease control, and hazardous substance management.

• A Grounds Maintenance Plan must be submitted within 10 days of award.

• A Transition Plan and List of Personnel are also required deliverables.

• The contract will be a fixed-price contract.

• The period of performance is 12 months from the start date in the Notice to Proceed, with two one-year options to renew.

• The estimated value is not specified.

• Quotations must be submitted electronically to DohaProcurement@state.gov by Wednesday, June 08, 2026, 09:00 a.m. local time.

• Proposals must be in English.

• Evaluation will be based on a Compliance Review, Technical Acceptability (including past performance and experience), Price Evaluation, and Responsibility Determination.

• The award will be made to the lowest priced, technically acceptable, and responsible contractor.

• Offerors are strongly encouraged to register in the SAM (System for Award Management) database.

• Vendors must possess the required licenses and permits to operate in the field of Gardening Services, evidenced by their commercial registration documentation.

• A pre-proposal conference will be held at the site.

• Offerors must complete and submit SF-1449, Section I Pricing, Section 5 Representations and Certifications, and additional information as required in Section 3.

• Value Added Tax (VAT) is not applicable due to the Embassy's tax exemption.

• The James Zadroga 9/11 Victims Health and Compensation Act of 2010 notice applies, potentially subjecting payments to a 2% excise tax.