R1 Landscaping and Snow Removal Services

Amendment / Modification

• This amendment (A0004) is issued to provide updated questions and responses related to the solicitation.

• The document references "updated questions and responses" as the purpose of this amendment, implying that previous Q&A documents or sections may be superseded or supplemented.

• The amendment's effective date is 02/17/2026. It extends the deadline for receipt of offers. The specific original solicitation number is 70FBR126R00000003, dated 02/06/2026. The amendment requires offers to acknowledge receipt and may necessitate changes to previously submitted offers.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation 70FBR126R00000003, clarifying various aspects of the snow removal services contract.

• Incumbent Contractor: An incumbent contractor is performing these services under contract number 70FBR121C00000003.
• Pricing Unit: "DA" refers to "Day" for pricing purposes.
• Snow Removal Pricing: For snow exceeding 14 inches (CLINS 0003E, 1003E, 2003E, 3003E, and 4000E), there is a single price established for excess of 14 inches.
• Salt Storage: On-site storage of salt in a fully enclosed shipping container with a sealed top is permitted, subject to advance COR approval.
• Pricing Template: The pricing template has been updated to address errors and inconsistencies related to quantities and units of measure (UOM) for snow removal CLINs/Sub-CLINs and option periods.
• Snowfall Triggers: The solicitation and pricing have been updated to mirror each other regarding snowfall triggers and associated days.
• Past Performance: The Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) should be sent to the current Contracting Officer for completion.
• Salting Trips: The number of salting trips will remain at 30; an increase to 60 is not approved.
• Fencing Perimeter: The perimeter of the FEMA facility in Maynard is 5006 ft.

Updates have been made to the solicitation and pricing template to address vendor questions. Bidders should ensure they are using the most current versions of these documents.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a vendor price proposal sheet for Landscaping and Snow Removal Services for the FEMA Region 1 RRCC located in Maynard, MA. It outlines the structure for bidders to provide their pricing for various services over the contract period.

• Services: Includes Landscaping (April-September), Salting/Ice Melt, and Snow Removal services categorized by snowfall depth (1"-3", 3"-6", 6"-10", 10"-14", Over 14").
• Contract Periods: Covers a Base period and four Option Periods.
• Pricing Structure: Requires unit of measure (UOM) cost and total cost for each CLIN/Sub-CLIN.
• Totals: Includes Base Total, Option Period Totals, and a Total Contract Value.

Bidders must use this template to submit their pricing proposals. All fields, particularly the UOM Cost and TOTAL columns for each CLIN/Sub-CLIN across all contract periods, need to be accurately completed. The template details the specific services and quantities expected, allowing bidders to formulate their comprehensive price offer. Note that all listed costs are currently $0.0, indicating this is a template for submission rather than a pre-filled pricing document.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment A0003 to Solicitation 70FBR126R00000003. Its purpose is to:

• Issue updated questions and responses.

• Incorporate a revised pricing template.

• Incorporate a revised solicitation that corrects CLIN quantities.

• Solicitation (corrected CLIN quantities)

• Pricing Template (revised)

• Questions and Responses (updated)

This amendment does not explicitly state a change to the proposal submission deadline. Offerors should review the revised solicitation and pricing template for any impact on their proposal preparation.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation 70FBR126R00000003, clarifying various aspects of the snow removal services contract.

• Incumbent Contractor: There is an incumbent contractor. The previous contract number is 70FBR121C00000003.
• Unit of Measure: "DA" refers to "Day" for pricing purposes.
• Excess Snowfall: For snow exceeding 14 inches, CLINS 0003E, 1003E, 2003E, 3003E, and 4000E are applicable, with a single price established for amounts over 14 inches.
• On-Site Salt Storage: On-site storage of salt in a shipping container is permitted if the container is fully enclosed with a sealed top. Prior approval from the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) is required.
• Pricing Template: The pricing template has been updated to address errors and inconsistencies regarding quantities and days per option period. Bidders should use the updated template.
• Snow Removal Triggers: The solicitation and pricing have been updated to mirror each other regarding snow removal triggers and associated days.
• Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ): The PPQ should be sent to the current Contracting Officer for completion by the incumbent contractor.
• Salting Trips: The number of salting trips will remain at 30, and will not be increased to 60 to account for pre-salting requirements.

The clarifications and updated templates provided in this document are crucial for bidders to accurately prepare their proposals. Bidders should ensure they are using the revised pricing and solicitation documents.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (A0002) to solicitation 70FBR126R00000003 incorporates responses to questions received.

This amendment applies to the solicitation.

• The hour and date specified for receipt of offers is extended.
• Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified.
• Failure to acknowledge receipt by the specified time may result in rejection of the offer.
• If an offeror desires to change an offer already submitted, the change must be made by letter or electronic communication referencing the solicitation and this amendment, and received prior to the opening hour and date.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a pricing template for the Landscaping and Snow Removal Services for FEMA Region 1 RRCC. Bidders are expected to use this template to provide their proposed costs for the services outlined.

• Contract Period: Covers Base period and four Option Periods, spanning from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031.
• Services: Includes Landscaping (April-September), Salting/Ice Melt, and various tiers of Snow Removal services based on snowfall depth.
• Pricing Structure: The template requires UOM (Unit of Measure) Cost and TOTAL for each CLIN/Sub-CLIN. All provided costs are currently $0.00, indicating that bidders must fill in their proposed pricing.
• Contract Value: The 'Total Contract Value' is also listed as $0.00, to be determined by the sum of the proposed costs.

This pricing template is critical for bidders to understand the scope of services and the structure for submitting their financial proposals. Bidders must accurately complete this sheet with their proposed costs for each line item to be considered for this opportunity.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (A0001) to solicitation 70FBR126R00000003 incorporates Attachment 1: Pricing Template.

• Attachment 1: Pricing Template

• The amendment does not extend the offer receipt date, which remains 02/06/2026.

• Offerors must acknowledge receipt of this amendment. Failure to do so may result in rejection of their offer.

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

This Statement of Work outlines the requirements for landscaping and snow removal services for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) facility located at 63 and 65 Old Marlboro Road, Maynard, MA.

Snow Removal:

• Provide 24/7 snow and ice removal services, including plowing and salting, for the entire 170,000 sq ft paved area (parking lots and sidewalks).
• Services are required upon accumulation of one inch of snow or as requested by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), with a one-hour response time.
• Initial salting before snowfall and continuous salting as needed.
• Contractor must provide all necessary equipment (plows, dump trucks, snow blowers, front-end loaders).
• Snow must be removed from walkways, stairways, door entrances, parking lots, and loading docks.
• Special attention required for front doors of Vehicle, Storage, Administration, Building (VSAB) via hand shoveling.
• Automatic gates must be kept clear of snow and ice.
• Snow piles must not obstruct parking spaces.
• Residual salt cleanup at the end of the season.
• Pre-winter walk-through with COR to document conditions.
• Contractor is responsible for damages resulting from snow removal operations.

Landscaping:

• Maintain approximately 568,000 sq ft of green surfaces to a well-manicured appearance.

• Improved Areas: Grass to be kept green and cut to a maximum of 3 inches. Clippings to be removed. Paved surfaces to be kept free of weeds and debris. Bare spots to be repaired. Mulch to be maintained. Fertilization, weed, and insect control using EPA "Green Scaping" methods. Specific fertilization schedule and types are outlined (e.g., granular, natural-based, 10-20-10). Trees and shrubs to be pruned and trimmed. Bark mulch to be applied. Borders to be edged and kept weed-free. Spot watering as necessary. Fall and spring cleanups required, including sweeping/air blowing of drives and walkways.

• Semi-Improved Areas: Grass to be cut to a maximum of 5 inches. Areas to be kept free of leaves and dead branches.

• Unimproved Areas: Brush cutting (trees/bushes up to 3-inch diameter) in various areas including antenna fields, "Back 40", outside fence lines, and access roads. Specific cutting frequencies and lengths are detailed.

• BASE YEAR: April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027

• OPT YEAR 1: April 1, 2027 – March 31, 2028

• OPT YEAR 2: April 1, 2028 – March 31, 2029

• OPT YEAR 3: April 1, 2029 – March 31, 2030

• OPT YEAR 4: April 1, 2030 – March 31, 2031

• Facility Security: All personnel must be U.S. Citizens or Legal Permanent Residents. All personnel must possess Real-ID compliant identification. All personnel are subject to security screening and must pass a background investigation commensurate with the risk level of their position (Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 4). Specific forms and processes for background investigations are detailed.

• Facility Access: Compliance with FEMA Directives for Personal Identity Verification and Facility Access is required. PIV cards or Facility Access Cards (FACs) will be issued. Access may be denied for security threats.

• Separation of Contract: Notification of terminations/resignations required within five calendar days. Government-issued identification must be returned upon contract completion or termination.

• Hours of Operation: Standard work hours are 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, with special circumstances requiring prior approval.

• Equipment Operation: Mowers and blowers must not discharge toward vehicles or personnel. Notification to project officers is required before operating equipment near vehicles or personnel.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) provided by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), FEMA. It is used to gather feedback from entities that have previously contracted with an offeror for services similar in nature, size, and complexity to the "Landscaping/Snow Removal" Request for Proposal (RFP). The feedback is crucial for evaluating the offeror's past performance.

• Instructions: Details on how to complete and submit the questionnaire, including contact information for the Contracting Officer (Karley Hoyt) and Contract Specialist (Anhur Maklef) at FEMA. It emphasizes that the form must be submitted by the RFP closing date and time.
• Performance Rating Standards: Defines three rating levels: Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory, and Neutral, based on the offeror's past performance record.
• Performance Elements: The questionnaire assesses performance across three key areas:
  1. Quality of Services
  2. Customer Satisfaction
  3. Timeliness of Performance and Completion of the Contract
• Re-engagement Question: Asks whether the evaluator would do business with the contractor again.
• Supplemental Comment Form: Provides space for additional qualitative feedback on each performance element.
• Certification: Requires the evaluator to certify the accuracy and completeness of the information provided.

Offerors responding to the "Landscaping/Snow Removal" RFP are required to provide this questionnaire to past clients. The responses from these clients will form a significant part of the evaluation of the offeror's past performance, directly impacting their chances of winning the contract. Bidders should ensure they provide this form to relevant past clients and that those clients understand the importance of providing timely and accurate feedback.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is a Request for Proposal (RFP) for landscaping and snow removal services at the FEMA Region 1 Federal Regional Center (FRC) located at 63 – 65 Old Marlboro Road, Maynard, MA 07154. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) intends to award one (1) fixed-price contract. This solicitation is issued as a total small business set aside.

• Landscaping and snow removal services in accordance with the Statement of Work (SOW).

• Services include supervision, labor, materials, equipment, supplies, and transportation.

• All work must comply with applicable State, local, and Federal laws and regulations.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance:

  • Base Year: April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027
  • Option Period One: April 1, 2027 – March 31, 2028
  • Option Period Two: April 1, 2028 – March 31, 2029
  • Option Period Three: April 1, 2029 – March 31, 2030
  • Option Period Four: April 1, 2030 – March 31, 2031

• NAICS Code: 561730 - Landscaping Services.

• Wage Determination (SCA WD 2015-4047 Rev32) is applicable.

• Offer Due Date: February 18, 2026, 10:00 AM ET.

• Proposals must be submitted electronically to the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist.

• Mandatory Site Visit: February 12, 2026, 9:00 AM EDT. Attendance is required for award consideration.

• Questions Due: February 13, 2026, 3:00 PM EDT.

• Evaluation Factors: Mandatory Site Visit, Technical Approach, Past Performance, and Price. Technical Approach and Past Performance are weighted equally and combined are approximately equal to Price.

• Total small business set aside.

• Attachments include: Pricing Template, Statement of Work (SOW), Wage Determinations, and Past Performance Questionnaire.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "REGISTER OF WAGE DETERMINATIONS UNDER THE SERVICE CONTRACT ACT" issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division. It provides the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations when performing contract work subject to the Service Contract Act in specific counties and towns within Massachusetts.

• Applicability: Specifies the counties and towns in Massachusetts where this wage determination applies (Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, and Suffolk Counties).
• Occupational Listings: Details numerous job classifications (e.g., Administrative Support, Automotive Service, Health Occupations, Information and Arts, Information Technology, Mechanics, Protective Service, Transportation) with corresponding occupation codes, titles, and minimum hourly wage rates.
• Fringe Benefits: Indicates that fringe benefits required follow the occupational listing. Specific benefits like Health & Welfare ($5.55/hour or $222.00/week) and paid sick leave (EO 13706) are detailed.
• Vacation and Holidays: Outlines provisions for paid vacation (based on years of service) and a minimum of eleven paid holidays per year.
• Special Provisions: Includes information on hazardous pay differentials (8% for high hazard, 4% for low hazard), uniform allowances, and the process for requesting additional classifications and wage rates (Conformance Process using SF-1444).

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the minimum labor costs associated with performing services under the Service Contract Act in the specified geographic areas. It directly impacts the pricing of proposals by establishing mandatory wage and benefit rates for various job roles. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages and benefits meet or exceed these minimums to comply with the Service Contract Act and the terms of the solicitation.