USDA-GSWRL - Grounds Maintenance
SOL #: 1232SA26Q0095Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
Overview
Buyer
Agriculture
Agricultural Research Service
USDA ARS AFM APD
BELTSVILLE, MD, 20705, United States
Place of Performance
Temple, TX
NAICS
Landscaping Services (561730)
PSC
Landscaping/Groundskeeping Services (S208)
Set Aside
Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) (SBA)
Original Source
Timeline
1
Posted
Feb 2, 2026
2
Last Updated
Feb 19, 2026
3
Submission Deadline
Feb 20, 2026, 8:00 PM
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 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), specifically the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), has issued a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ) for Grounds Maintenance Services at the Grassland, Soil & Water Research Laboratory (GSWRL) Facility in Temple, TX. This opportunity is a Total Small Business Set-Aside (NAICS 561730, $9.5M size standard). Amendment 01 provides a Site Visit Point of Contact and extends the closing date for proposals.
Scope of Work
The contract requires comprehensive grounds maintenance services, including:
- Mowing: Specified areas, with pre-mowing trash/debris removal and contractor disposal of clippings.
- Edging/Weed Eating: Vertical edging of sidewalks/curbs, and weed eating around trees, objects, and the perimeter fence. Mechanical weed eaters are required; chemical edging is prohibited.
- Blow Off: Removal of leaves and debris from porches, docks, sidewalks, and curbs.
- Lawn Fertilization: Twice-yearly application of fertilizer/weed killer suitable for Bermuda and St. Augustine grasses.
- Shrub & Hedge Trimming: Four times per year or as needed, with contractor disposal of debris. Services are to be performed Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., with regular mowing completed in a single day, weather permitting. Excluded services include tree trimming, insect/disease control, and sprinkler system maintenance. An aerial layout (Attachment 3) provides visual context for the work areas.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price Requirements Contract.
- Period of Performance: One (1) one-year base period (March 1, 2026 – February 28, 2027) and four (4) one-year option periods, totaling a maximum of five (5) years through February 28, 2031.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside.
- Place of Performance: USDA-GSWRL Facility, Temple, TX.
Submission & Evaluation
- Evaluation Criteria: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA).
- Technical Acceptability: Rated "acceptable" or "unacceptable" based on meeting requirements and demonstrating understanding.
- Past Performance: Rated "acceptable" or "neutral" based on ability to deliver, timely delivery, business relations, and adherence to terms. Three relevant and recent references are required.
- Price: Evaluated for fairness and reasonableness across the base period, all option periods, and a potential six-month extension.
- Submission: Quotes must be submitted electronically via email to the Contracting Officer/Contract Specialist in Adobe PDF format. Bidders must complete Attachment 4 (Price Schedule) by filling in unit prices for all CLINs.
- Offer Acceptance Period: Offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days.
- Wage Determination: Attachment 5 provides crucial minimum wage rates and fringe benefits for Bell and Coryell counties, TX, which bidders must incorporate into their cost proposals.
Key Dates & Contacts
- Site Visit POC: Martin Lopez; (254) 760-0174.
- Questions Deadline: February 12, 2026, 3:00 PM ET. (All questions must be directed to the Contracting Officer via email).
- Proposal Due Date: Friday, February 20, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET.
- Contracting Officer: Jacob Toft, jacob.toft@usda.gov.
- Active SAM.gov registration is required at the time of quote submission.
People
Points of Contact
Jacob ToftPRIMARY