Landscaping and Grounds Services for VA Fresno

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

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for comprehensive landscaping and grounds maintenance services at the VA Central California Health Care System in Fresno, CA.

• General Landscaping: Includes tree trimming, mulching, weed abatement, mowing, edging, clipping, pruning, debris removal, sod/turf installation, planting, and irrigation verification/repair for approximately 20 acres.

• Mulching: Requires replacement and maintenance of commercial-grade shredded hardwood bark mulch, or equivalent, ensuring it is free of foreign materials. Areas not using mulch must maintain their specified material.

• Weed Abatement: Comprehensive control using approved herbicides and mechanical methods, ensuring all sprayed areas are free of weeds and unwanted growth. Compliance with EPA and OSHA regulations is mandatory.

• Tree Trimming: Annual trimming and thinning to promote natural branching structure, remove dead/diseased branches, and ensure proper air circulation. Not more than 25% of the crown should be removed annually. Must be performed by certified arborists.

• Fertilization: Application of fertilizer according to standard practices and minimum maintenance procedures (Attachment 1), with specific requirements for turf and other vegetation.

• Turf Installation and Maintenance: Maintaining turf areas free of weeds to high aesthetic standards, including sod installation and overseeding as needed. Replacement of existing turf not meeting standards is required.

• Mowing, Edging, Trimming, Pruning, Shaping: Weekly mowing of turf areas to a specified height, regular edging of curbs and borders, string trimming around stationary objects, and pruning of shrubs/hedges for health, appearance, and clearance.

• Irrigation: Monthly activation, checking, and adjustment of irrigation systems. A spring check is required. Repairs due to contractor negligence are at the contractor's expense.

• Debris Removal: Weekly clearing of landscape, parking, and sidewalk areas of debris. Tree and shrub trimming debris must be disposed of off-site.

• Special Site-Specific Work: Enhanced year-round planting at four focal points (Clinton Ave Entrance, Fresno St. Entrance, Hospital Main Entrance, Front Entrance Walkway planters) and weekly power washing of the front entrance and emergency department entrance.

• Reimbursable Expansion: A sum of $15,000.00 is allocated for reimbursement of contractor costs for sod and irrigation expansion in undeveloped areas.

• Place of Performance: VA Fresno Medical Center, 2615 E. Clinton Ave., Fresno, CA 93703.

• Period of Performance: One (1) base year and four (4) option years.

• Contractor Qualifications: Must possess OSHA Certified 10-hour construction safety training for all employees, maintain certification for herbicide/fertilizer application, and provide OSHA required plans and documentation.

• Scheduling: Service schedules must be submitted to the COR for approval and can be changed due to weather or government operations. Non-emergent tree trimming must be performed outside normal hospital operating hours or on weekends.

• Reporting: Monthly written reports detailing work completed and issues, along with daily grounds worksheet checklists, are required.

• Invoicing: Invoices must be submitted electronically via the VA's Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment System (Tungsten).

• Quality Control: Contractor must develop and maintain an effective Quality Control Program (QCP) and a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

Sources Sought Notice / Request for Information (RFI)

This notice is a Request for Information (RFI) to conduct market research for Landscaping and Grounds Services for the VA Fresno Health Care System. The government is assessing the availability of qualified vendors and may anticipate awarding a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract, though the final contract type is subject to market research and acquisition planning.

Interested vendors are asked to review the sample Performance Work Statement (PWS) and provide feedback, questions, or clarifications. Specifically, vendors must provide:

• Company Name, Point of Contact, and Email address
• Business Size (Large/Small) and Socio-Economic Status (e.g., SDVOSB, WOSB, 8(a))
• UEI Number
• Capabilities Statement
• Information on any existing IDIQ contracts from which these services can be ordered (e.g., GSA, NASA SEWP, DLA eCAT, VA SAC, VA NAC)

Failure to provide items 1-5 will result in the vendor being considered nonresponsive.

• Responses should be submitted to Shaneldylana.Pagaragan@va.gov.

• The response date is May 14, 2026, at 10:00 AM HST.

• This is NOT an official request for quotes.

• Information gathered may inform the agency's acquisition strategy.

• An official request for quote may or may not be released subsequently.

• VA Fresno Health Care System, 2615 E Clinton Avenue, Fresno, CA 93703.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Appendix B: Quality Standard for Hospital Focal Point flowers/plants (sample photos)", provides visual examples of landscaping standards for hospital focal points. It is intended to illustrate the desired aesthetic and quality for floral and plant installations.

• The document contains several sample photographs showcasing different arrangements and types of flowers and plants suitable for hospital focal point areas.
• The images depict various color palettes, plant densities, and landscaping designs.

This attachment serves as a visual guide for bidders to understand the expected quality, style, and appearance of landscaping work required for hospital focal points. It helps bidders to accurately estimate costs and propose solutions that meet the government's aesthetic expectations.

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

This document outlines the procedures for landscape maintenance at the Fresno VA Hospital.

The scope of work includes monthly maintenance tasks for the following areas:

• Turf: Mowing and edging to a 3" height, and checking/cleaning area drains.
• Planters: Removing debris, replenishing mulch/bark, and controlling weeds (applying herbicide for weeds less than 3" tall, and manual removal for weeds 3" or taller).
• Trees: Structural pruning, thinning, lifting, and inspection for pests and diseases. Recommendations for corrective measures are to be provided by a PCA (Pest Control Advisor).
• Shrubs: Shaping, lifting, and pruning groundcover off walkways and curbs.
• Irrigation System: Monthly (or weekly during warmer months) inspection, adjustment of water times, and cleaning of filters.

The procedures are detailed on a monthly basis, covering the entire year, for the Fresno VA Hospital grounds.

• Application of pre-emergent herbicide in February.
• Application of fertilizer in March, June, and September for shrubs, trees, and groundcover.
• PCA recommendations for pest and disease issues.
• Irrigation system checks vary from monthly to weekly depending on the season.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a sample Daily Grounds Checklist, intended to be used as an attachment for tracking grounds maintenance activities. It serves as a template for recording work performed and the areas where the work was completed.

• Work Performed Categories: Lawn Maintenance, Trash/Litter Collection and Sweeping, Fertilization, Weed Eradication, Sprinkler System, Insecticide Application, and Pruning.
• Specific Tasks: Each category includes sub-tasks (e.g., Mowing, Edging, Fertilize lawn, Remove weeds, Inspect sprinkler system, Spray in developed areas, Prune trees and shrubs).
• Tracking Fields: Columns are provided to "Check if work is performed" and to specify "AREA(S) OF WORK".
• Comments Section: A space for additional notes.
• Signatures: Fields for "Landscaper Signature" and "Contract Manager Signature".

This checklist provides insight into the specific daily tasks and areas of work that may be required under a grounds maintenance contract. Bidders can use this to understand the expected level of detail in performance tracking and reporting, and to estimate the resources needed for daily operations.