Grounds Maintenance
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) in Tallahassee, FL, has issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for Grounds Maintenance services. This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside (NAICS 561730, $9.5M size standard). The Government intends to award one contract for a Base Year plus four Option Years. Quotes are due May 18, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. ET.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide comprehensive grounds maintenance for approximately 0.3 acres at the USDA-ARS-CENTER FOR BIOLOGICAL CONTROL in Tallahassee, FL. Key services include:
- Mowing of grass
- Trimming shrubs as needed
- Weeding of internal areas between walkways
- Edging of parking lot and walkway
- Sweeping and cleaning all walkways, drives, and parking lot
- Removal of all lawn maintenance debris from premises
- Compliance with all applicable health and safety laws and regulations
Contract Details
- Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation, Request for Quotation (RFQ)
- Duration: Base Year (May 25, 2026 - May 24, 2027) plus four Option Years, extending through May 24, 2031.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside.
- Place of Performance: 6383 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, Florida 32308.
Submission Requirements
To be considered, quotes must be submitted on company letterhead and include:
- Vendor Details: SAM.gov UEI Number.
- Technical Documentation: A brief Capability Statement detailing equipment, personnel, and a "meets/does not meet" statement for all SOW tasks.
- Self-Performance/Subcontracting: State whether work will be self-performed or subcontracted. If subcontracting, provide subcontractor details and a signed Letter of Commitment.
- Pricing: Total aggregate price for the Base Year and all Option Years.
- Timeline: Estimated lead time/delivery date.
- Validity: Quote must be valid for at least 60 days.
Evaluation and Award
Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government, based on a comparative evaluation of Price and Technical Capability. The Government reserves the right to select a superior technical solution, even if it is not the lowest priced.
Key Dates & Contact
- Site Visit: May 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. ET at 6383 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, FL. Contact Alex Gaffke (352-283-7712) for access only.
- Questions Due: May 14, 2026, by 1:00 p.m. ET.
- Quotes Due: May 18, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. ET.
- All inquiries and submissions must be sent via email to Richard Hawthorne at richard.hawthorne@usda.gov, with the solicitation number (1232SA26Q0596) in the subject line.