Turfgrass Maintenance Services

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

To maintain plot performance for objective evaluation of different turfgrass germplasm and agronomic treatments to maximize turfgrass ecosystem services with minimum input in the desert environment at the USDA ARS Arid Land Agricultural Research Center in Maricopa, AZ.

• Regular mowing (up to 68 times per year, with equipment washed between cuts, clippings removed, and heights between 1-5 inches).

• Annual dethatching, with debris removal.

• Three annual sand top dressings.

• Weed control, including pre-emergent herbicide (3x/year), alley herbicide application (3x/year), broadleaf weed control (3x/year), annual large weed control, and as-needed specialty pesticide application for insects/disease.

• Soil conditioning, including annual core aeration and as-needed chemical wetting agents.

• Specified fertilizer application (3-4 times per year).

• Uniform irrigation application, including repairs and maintenance of the provided irrigation system.

• Collaboration with researchers for all management procedures, with a 24-hour response time for non-emergencies.

• Services to be performed in a manner specified by turfgrass researchers.

• Written documentation of all chemical applications (product names, rates, dates, times) is required.

• Daily or per-event logs and chemical application logs are required.

• Equipment sanitation logs are required.

• Before/after photos may be required for documentation.

• Monthly reports detailing services and dates completed.

• Period of Performance: April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027, with four 1-year optional periods.

• Place of Performance: University of Arizona, Maricopa Agricultural Center Research, Field #113, Maricopa, AZ.

• Vendor must use its own equipment.

• Chemical handling requirements (PPE, licensing, recordkeeping) and EPA/state pesticide applicator certification must be met.

• Avoid chemical drift to adjacent fields and untreated plots.

• Vendor must not alter schedules or substitute products without documented approval.

• Vendor must provide an emergency contact.

• Vendor must not disturb research equipment or enter sensitive spaces.

• Vendor will supply irrigation repair parts as needed.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items for Turfgrass Maintenance Services. It constitutes the only solicitation, and no separate written solicitation will be issued. The acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• The core requirement is for Turfgrass Maintenance services as detailed in the attached Statement of Work (Attachment 2).

• Services include mowing, weed control, fertilizer application, and related agronomic practices.

• The goal is to maintain scientific research plot performance for objective evaluation of turfgrass germplasm and agronomic treatments to maximize turfgrass ecosystem services with minimum input in a desert environment.

• Vendors must provide a detailed description of their capability to perform these services, including appropriate documentation and record keeping as identified in the SOW. Quotes merely offering services will not be considered.

• Anticipated award type: Firm-fixed price contract.

• Period of Performance: One (1) 12-month base period and four (4) one-year option periods, for a total duration not to exceed five (5) years and six (6) months.

• Quotes are due by 11:00 am Mountain Time on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

• Submission must be electronic via email to frank.palmer@usda.gov. Faxed or hard copy quotes are not allowed.

• The final day for question submission is Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 11:00 am Mountain Time.

• A site visit is scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 10:00 am Mountain Time at the US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, Maricopa, AZ. Vendors must notify Frank Palmer by 2:00 pm Mountain Time on Monday, February 9, 2026, to attend.

• Award will be made on a Best Value basis, considering technical capabilities, past performance, and price.

• Technical capabilities require a detailed description of knowledge, experience, and skill.

• Past performance requires a list of at least two (2) similar projects completed within the last two (2) years.

• Pricing must be submitted according to the provided schedule for the base year and option years.

• This acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns.

• The small business size standard is $9.5 million.

• Vendors must be active and registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) at the time of quote submission and award.

• This solicitation incorporates numerous FAR clauses and provisions by reference. Full text may be accessed at www.acquisition.gov.

• Payment will be made via the Department of the Treasury Invoice Processing Platform (IPP.gov).

• Vendors are advised that alternate quotes are not requested or accepted.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Wage Determination (No. 2015-5469, Revision No. 29) issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations under the Service Contract Act for contracts performed in Arizona Counties of Maricopa and Pinal.

• Lists numerous occupational codes and titles.
• Specifies the minimum hourly wage rate for each occupation.
• Indicates that fringe benefits are required and follow the occupational listing.
• Includes notes on Executive Orders (EO) 13706 and 13658 regarding paid sick leave and minimum wage.
• Details required benefits such as vacation, holidays, health & welfare, and hazardous pay differentials.
• Outlines the conformance process for unlisted classifications.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the labor costs associated with performing services under a federal contract in the specified geographic area. It dictates the minimum wages and benefits that must be paid to employees, directly impacting proposal pricing and overall contract cost. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages and benefits meet or exceed these requirements.