Janitorial Services for USDA-ARS, Frederick, Maryland

This contract is a combined synopsis and solicitation for custodial and janitorial services at three buildings—1301, 1302, and 374—located at the USDA-ARS Foreign Disease Weed Science Research Unit on Fort Detrick in Frederick, Maryland. The acquisition, issued under solicitation number 1232SA26Q0891, is structured as a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 561720 with a size standard of $22 million, and all responsible small businesses are eligible to respond. The contract is envisioned as a firm-fixed price requirements contract with a one-year base period beginning September 27, 2026, followed by four one-year option periods and a potential six-month extension, extending the maximum possible performance period through March 26, 2032. Performance must adhere to strict standards including cleaning protocols based on manufacturer guidelines, operation in a quiet and disciplined manner, and full compliance with federal security requirements. All contractor personnel must undergo a trust determination and credentialing process prior to beginning work and may be subject to continuous vetting due to the federal facility's sensitive nature. The site visit is strictly limited to Friday, July 17, 2026, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., and all visitors must schedule through the Fort Detrick Visitor Center, allowing 30–45 minutes for security vetting; no other visits will be permitted. Responses are due no later than 2:00 p.m. EST on July 24, 2026, with questions required to be submitted via email to shalunda.mix@usda.gov by 2:00 p.m. EST on July 17, 2026. Quotes must include pricing for all line items across the base and all option periods to be deemed responsive, and offerors must be registered in SAM and comply with numerous FAR clauses including those on whistleblower rights, combating trafficking, accelerated payments to small business subcontractors, and anti-discrimination. The evaluation will follow the lowest price technically acceptable method, where only the lowest-priced offer will be assessed for technical acceptability and past performance, with award going to the first quote that meets all thresholds. The contractor is responsible for developing and maintaining an electronic quality control plan, submitting quarterly deficiency reports, and ensuring workforce continuity, while the government retains inspection rights and the ability to