Ground Maintenance- USDA, ARS, SHRS, Miami, Florida
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 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), is seeking proposals for Grounds Maintenance Services at its Subtropical Horticulture Research Service (SHRS) facility located in Miami, Florida. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity for a firm-fixed price requirements contract. The primary goal is to maintain the safety, genetic integrity, and health of subtropical and tropical plant genetic resources. Quotations are due by March 6, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET.
Opportunity Details
This is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ 1232SA26Q0231) for commercial items. The procuring agency is USDA ARS AFM APD. The applicable NAICS code is 561730 (Landscaping Services) with a small business size standard of $9.5 million.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide comprehensive grounds maintenance services every two weeks. This includes:
- Mowing, trimming, landscaping, and use of herbicide/weed eaters.
- Maintaining specific areas around buildings, the main entrance, and a pond.
- Trimming tree branches (above 6 feet), removing vegetation near walls, and eliminating 'suckers' and volunteer plants.
- Disposing of fallen coconuts, palm fronds, branches, and other debris.
- Trimming shrubs to 5 feet in height.
- Adhering to specific operational guidelines, such as avoiding sprinklers, not driving on sidewalks, and not removing plant material.
- Disposing of trimmings in a designated pit area on USDA property. The Statement of Work (Attachment 2) includes a map and pictures of areas requiring maintenance.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price Requirements Contract.
- Period of Performance: A base year (March 16, 2026 – March 15, 2027) plus four (4) one-year option periods, for a potential total of five years.
- Place of Performance: USDA, ARS, Subtropical Horticulture Research Service, 13601 Old Cutler Road, Miami, FL 33158.
Submission & Evaluation
This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Offerors must be actively registered in SAM.gov at the time of quote submission. Submissions must be electronic copies via email to the Contracting Officer/Contract Specialist in Adobe PDF format. The award will be based on Best Value to the Government, utilizing a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) evaluation criteria, considering Price, Technical Acceptability, and Past Performance.
Key Dates & Site Visit
- Questions Due: March 2, 2026, 3:00 PM ET.
- Quotations Due: March 6, 2026, 7:00 PM ET.
- Site Visit: Scheduled for February 27, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET. Attendees must meet at B89, 13601 Old Cutler Road, Miami, FL 33189, and sign in. Latecomers will not be permitted. Site Visit POC: Michael Winterstein, 786-573-7044, mike.winterstein@usda.gov.
- Offer Acceptance Period: 90 calendar days from the offer receipt date.
Important Attachments
- Attachment 1 - Solicitation Terms and Conditions: Contains applicable clauses, instructions, and evaluation criteria.
- Attachment 2 - Statement of Work: Details the specific tasks, performance standards, and location maps.
- Attachment 3 - Price Schedule: A critical template for bidders to submit pricing for the base year and all option periods.
- Attachment 4 - Wage Determination: Provides minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required under the Service Contract Act for Dade County, Florida, which bidders must adhere to.