Grounds Maintenance with 4 Option Years

PROCUREMENT OVERVIEW

The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is seeking proposals for grounds maintenance services. The project scope includes the upkeep of landscaping, lawn care, and related services to ensure the aesthetic and functional integrity of the grounds. The core objective is to maintain a clean, safe, and well-maintained environment that supports the research and administrative functions of the USDA ARS facilities.

ISSUING ORGANIZATION

The issuing organization is the Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, located in Maryland, USA. The primary contact for this opportunity is Lynn Hults, who can be reached via email at [email protected].

KEY DATES

• Posted Date: August 4, 2026
• Proposal Due Date: August 28, 2026
• Anticipated Award Date: Not specified
• Performance Period: The contract includes four option years, although specific performance periods for each year are not detailed.

CONTRACT DETAILS

The contract type is not explicitly stated, but it is implied that it may be a firm-fixed-price contract given the nature of grounds maintenance services. The estimated contract value or budget range has not been disclosed. Bidders should note that there are four option years available, indicating a potential for long-term engagement.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

To be considered eligible, bidders must meet the following mandatory requirements:

• Certifications and Registrations: Bidders must be registered in SAM.gov.
• Set-aside Restrictions: There are no specific set-aside restrictions mentioned, indicating that the opportunity may be open to all qualified bidders.
• Geographic Restrictions: Services must be performed in Maryland, USA.
• Experience Requirements: Bidders must demonstrate a minimum of five years of experience in grounds maintenance or related services.
• Insurance Requirements: Bidders must provide proof of liability insurance.

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

Bidders should possess expertise in grounds maintenance, including landscaping, lawn care, pest management, and horticultural practices. Familiarity with sustainable practices and the use of environmentally friendly products may be advantageous.

DELIVERABLES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Key deliverables include regular maintenance schedules, reports on service completion, and adherence to safety and quality standards. Performance metrics may include response times for service requests and overall customer satisfaction ratings.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Proposals will be evaluated based on a combination of factors, including technical approach, past performance, and pricing. The evaluation will prioritize a best-value approach, emphasizing the quality of services alongside cost considerations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

While not mandatory, the following qualifications may provide a competitive edge:

• Preferred Certifications: Additional certifications in sustainable landscaping or horticulture.
• Experience Types: Experience with federal contracts or similar governmental projects.
• Capabilities: Advanced capabilities in landscape design or integrated pest management.

Bidders should carefully assess their alignment with these criteria to determine their fit for this opportunity.