Grounds
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 Department of the Air Force is conducting a Sources Sought for Grounds Maintenance Services at Columbus Air Force Base (CAFB) and Shuqualak Auxiliary Airfield, MS. This is for a potential five-year contract (base plus four option years) and is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. This is a market research effort; no award will be made from this posting. Responses are due April 3, 2026.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide non-personal services, including personnel, equipment, tools, and supervision, to ensure comprehensive grounds maintenance. Key services include:
- Maintain Improved Grounds: Mowing, edging, trimming, and leaf removal in cantonment areas, parade grounds, schools, athletic areas, and living areas.
- Maintain Semi-Improved Grounds: Mowing and trimming in airfield areas (runways, taxiways, alert areas) adhering to Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) standards.
- Maintain Un-Improved Grounds: Mowing of fire lanes and general un-improved areas to prevent woody encroachment.
- Maintain Vegetative Beds: Fertilizing, watering, weeding, mulching, and plant repair/replacement in planter and flower beds.
- Maintain Surface Drainage Ditches: Keeping ditches clear of debris and vegetation.
- Tree Care: Pruning, trimming, and removal of trees and stumps for safety or emergency, following ANSI A300 standards.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought
- Anticipated Contract Type: Five (5) year contract (base plus four option years)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- Response Due: April 3, 2026, 8:00 PM UTC
- Published Date: March 18, 2026, 4:03 PM UTC
- Anticipated Period of Performance: Effective October 1, 2026. The growing season is March 1 through October 31.
- Place of Performance: Columbus Air Force Base and Shuqualak Auxiliary Airfield, Mississippi.
Performance Standards
Performance will be evaluated by the Contracting Officer (CO) and Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) based on assessments and customer complaints. Specific performance thresholds and acceptable defect levels for various service areas are detailed in Table 1 of the Performance Work Statement (PWS). Quality Control Plan (QCP) and Quality Assurance (QA) processes are also outlined.
Special Requirements
- Government Furnished Property: Includes facilities, utilities, materials (mulch, topsoil), security, and medical services.
- Environmental Compliance: Adherence to Federal, State, and local environmental regulations, including hazardous materials and herbicide use.
- Security: Compliance with contractor access and identification badge requirements.
- Contractor Qualifications: Provision of an On-Site Contract Manager with full authority and professional employees.
- Reporting: Contractor labor hour reporting, monthly herbicide application reports, and monthly/annual inspection schedules.
Contact Information
- Primary Point of Contact: Jaelin Bankhead, carlius.bankhead@us.af.mil, 662-434-3292