Landscape Maintenance Service, Austin/San Antonio WFO (New Braunfels)

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION Landscape Maintenance Service, Austin/San Antonio WFO (New Braunfels) (I) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice and in accordance with the simplified acquisition procedures authorized in FAR Part 13. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. (II) This solicitation is issued as a request for quotation (RFQ). Submit written quotes on RFQ Number NWWP9253-11-03111SRG. (III) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-48. (IV) This solicitation is being issued as a Total Small Business Set-Aside. The associated NAICS code is 561730. The small business size standard is $7.0M. (V) This combined solicitation/synopsis is for purchase of the following commercial services: CLIN 0001 - Base Year; Services, non-personal, to provide all equipment, labor and materials (unless otherwise provided herein) necessary for Landscape Maintenance Service, Austin/San Antonio WFO (New Braunfels) in accordance with the statement of work for the period of twelve months. CLIN 1001 - Option Year I; Services, non-personal, to provide all equipment, labor and materials (unless otherwise provided herein) necessary for Landscape Maintenance Service, Austin/San Antonio WFO (New Braunfels) in accordance with the statement of work for the period of twelve months. CLIN 2001 - Option Year II; Services, non-personal, to provide all equipment, labor and materials (unless otherwise provided herein) necessary for Landscape Maintenance Service, Austin/San Antonio WFO (New Braunfels) in accordance with the statement of work for the period of twelve months. CLIN 3001 - Option Year III; Services, non-personal, to provide all equipment, labor and materials (unless otherwise provided herein) necessary for Landscape Maintenance Service, Austin/San Antonio WFO (New Braunfels) in accordance with the statement of work for the period of twelve months. CLIN 4001 - Option Year IV; Services, non-personal, to provide all equipment, labor and materials (unless otherwise provided herein) necessary for Landscape Maintenance Service, Austin/San Antonio WFO (New Braunfels) in accordance with the statement of work for the period of twelve months. (VI) Description of requirements is as follows: See attached statement of work which applies to requirement, and Department of Labor Wage Rates: WD 05-2521 (Rev.-11) which can be found on www.wdol.gov. (VII) Period of performance shall be: Base Year for a twelve month period 5/1/11 through 4/30/12 Option Period I for a twelve month period 5/1/12 through 4/30/13. Option Period II for a twelve month period 5/1/13 through 4/30/14. Option Period III for a twelve month period 5/1/14 through 4/30/15. Option Period IV for a twelve month period 5/1/15 through 4/30/16. (VIII) FAR 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial Items (June 2008), applies to this acquisition. Pre-Bid. The Government is planning a Site Visit on Monday, March 7, 2011 by 10 a.m. Austin/San Antonio WFO (New Braunfels, TX), 2090 Airport Road, New Braunfels, TX 78131 local time. To be considered for award, all vendors except the incumbent vendor, are required to attend the Site Visit. To request to be included in this, please call Joe Arellano at +1 (555) 000-0000. Subsequent to the Site Visit, an amendment containing the questions and answers will be made available via FBO. Inquiries (Apr 2010). Offerors must submit all questions concerning this solicitation in writing to Suzanne Romberg-Garrett either through email contact@example.gov or faxed at +1 (555) 000-0000 no later than 4:00 p.m. MST, March 9, 2011. (IX) FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation - Commercial Items (Jan 1999), applies to this acquisition. Offers will be evaluated based on price and the factors set forth in paragraph (a), and award will be made to the firm offering the best value to the Government. Paragraph (a) is hereby completed as follows: Evaluation will be based on 1) Past Performance - quote shall included two references including the phone number, full address and email (if available) and contractor's past performance will be based on responsiveness, quality, and customer services and 2) Price. The Government intends to award a firm-fixed price purchase order on an all or none basis. (X) The offeror must submit a completed copy of the provision at FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items (Jan 2011), with its quote. The offeror shall complete the annual representations and certifications electronically at http://orca.bpn.gov . (XI) The clause at FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items (June 2010) applies to this acquisition. (XII) The clause at FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders - Commercial Items (Jan 2011) applies to this acquisition. The following clauses under subparagraph (b) apply: (7)(i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (June 2003) (15 U.S.C. 644). (8)(i) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (JULY 2005) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a). (21) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (June 2003) (E.O. 11755). (22) 52.222-19, Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (July 2010) (E.O. 13126). (23) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Feb 1999). (24) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Mar 2007) (E.O. 11246). (26) 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (Oct 2010) (29 U.S.C. 793). (33) 52.223-18, Contractor Policy to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (Sep 2010) (E.O. 13513). (34) 52.225-1, Buy American Act-Supplies (Feb 2009) (41 U.S.C. 10a-10d). (42) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Central Contractor Registration (Oct 2003) (31 U.S.C. 3332). The following clauses under subparagraph (c) apply: (1) 52.222-41, Service Contract Act of 1965 (Nov 2007) (41 U.S.C. 351, et seq.). (2) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (May 1989) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. 351, et seq.). (3) 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Act-Price Adjustment (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (Sep 2009) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. 351, et seq.). (XIII) The following clauses are also applicable to this acquisition: 52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated By Reference (Feb 1998), This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this address: http://www.arnet.gov (End of Clause) The following additional FAR terms and conditions apply: 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (Jul 2010) (Effective March 1, 2011) 52.214-34, Submission of Offers in the English Language (Apr 1991) 52.214-35, Submission of Offer in U.S. Currency (Apr 1991) 52.217-8, Option to Extend Services (Nov 1999) 52.217-9, Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (Mar 2000) 52.223-1, Biobased Product Certification. (Dec 2007) 52.223-2, Affirmative Procurement of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts. (Dec 2007) 52.223-3, Hazardous Material Identification and Material Safety Data (Jan 1997) 52.223-10, Waste Reduction Program (Aug 2000) 52.228-5, Insurance - Work on a Government Installation (Jan 1997) 52.232-19, Availability of Funds for the Next Fiscal Year (Apr 1984) 52.237-2, Protection of Government Buildings, Equipment, and Vegetation (Apr 1984) Department of Commerce Clauses: 1352.201-70, Contracting Officer's Authority (Apr. 2010). The Contracting Officer is the only person authorized to make or approve any changes in any of the requirements of this contract, and, notwithstanding any provisions contained elsewhere in this contract, the said authority remains solely in the Contracting Officer. In the event the contractor makes any changes at the direction of any person other than the Contracting Officer, the change will be considered to have been made without authority and no adjustment will be made in the contract terms and conditions, including price. 1352.237-71, Security processing requirements-low risk contracts. Security Processing Requirements-Low Risk Contracts (APR 2010) (a) Investigative Requirements for Low Risk Contracts. All contractor (and subcontractor) personnel proposed to be employed under a Low Risk contract shall undergo security processing by the Department's Office of Security before being eligible to work on the premises of any Department of Commerce owned, leased, or controlled facility in the United States or overseas, or to obtain access to a Department of Commerce IT system. All Department of Commerce security processing pertinent to this contract will be conducted at no cost to the contractor. (b) Investigative requirements for Non-IT Service Contracts are: (1) Contracts more than 180 days-National Agency Check and Inquiries (NACI). (2) Contracts less than 180 days-Special Agency Check (SAC). (c) Investigative requirements for IT Service Contracts are: (1) Contracts more than 180 days-National Agency Check and Inquiries (NACI). (2) Contracts less than 180 days-National Agency Check and Inquiries (NACI). (d) In addition to the investigations noted above, non-U.S. citizens must have a background check that includes an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency check. (e) Additional Requirements for Foreign Nationals (Non-U.S. Citizens). Non-U.S. citizens (lawful permanent residents) to be employed under this contract within the United States must have: (1) Official legal status in the United States; (2) Continuously resided in the United States for the last two years; and (3) Obtained advance approval from the servicing Security Officer in consultation with the Office of Security headquarters. (f) DOC Security Processing Requirements for Low Risk Non-IT Service Contracts. Processing requirements for Low Risk non-IT Service Contracts are as follows: (1) Processing of a NACI is required for all contract employees employed in Low Risk non-IT service contracts for more than 180 days. The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) will invite the prospective contractor into e-QIP to complete the SF-85. The contract employee must also complete fingerprinting. (2) Contract employees employed in Low Risk non-IT service contracts for less than 180 days require processing of Form OFI-86C Special Agreement Check (SAC), to be processed. The Sponsor will forward a completed Form OFI-86C, FD-258, Fingerprint Chart, and Credit Release Authorization to the servicing Security Officer, who will send the investigative packet to the Office of Personnel Management for processing. (3) Any contract employee with a favorable SAC who remains on the contract over 180 days will be required to have a NACI conducted to continue working on the job site. (4) For Low Risk non-IT service contracts, the scope of the SAC will include checks of the Security/Suitability Investigations Index (SII), other agency files (INVA), Defense Clearance Investigations Index (DCII), FBI Fingerprint (FBIF), and the FBI Information Management Division (FBIN). (5) In addition, for those individuals who are not U.S. citizens (lawful permanent residents), the Sponsor may request a Customs Enforcement SAC on Form OFI-86C, by checking Block #7, Item I. In Block 13, the Sponsor should enter the employee's Alien Registration Receipt Card number to aid in verification. (6) Copies of the appropriate forms can be obtained from the Sponsor or the Office of Security. Upon receipt of the required forms, the Sponsor will forward the forms to the servicing Security Officer. The Security Officer will process the forms and advise the Sponsor and the Contracting Officer whether the contract employee can commence work prior to completion of the suitability determination based on the type of work and risk to the facility ( i.e. , adequate controls and restrictions are in place). The Sponsor will notify the contractor of favorable or unfavorable findings of the suitability determinations. The Contracting Officer will notify the contractor of an approved contract start date. (g) Security Processing Requirements for Low Risk IT Service Contracts. Processing of a NACI is required for all contract employees employed under Low Risk IT service contracts. (1) Contract employees employed in all Low Risk IT service contracts will require a National Agency Check and Inquiries (NACI) to be processed. The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) will invite the prospective contractor into e-QIP to complete the SF-85. Fingerprints and a Credit Release Authorization must be completed within three working days from start of work, and provided to the Servicing Security Officer, who will forward the investigative package to OPM. (2) For Low Risk IT service contracts, individuals who are not U.S. citizens (lawful permanent residents) must undergo a NACI that includes an agency check conducted by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service. The Sponsor must request the ICE check as a part of the NAC. (h) Notification of Disqualifying Information. If the Office of Security receives disqualifying information on a contract employee, the Sponsor and Contracting Officer will be notified. The Sponsor shall coordinate with the Contracting Officer for the immediate removal of the employee from duty requiring access to Departmental facilities or IT systems. Contract employees may be barred from working on the premises of a facility for any of the following reasons: (1) Conviction of a felony crime of violence or of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude. (2) Falsification of information entered on security screening forms or of other documents submitted to the Department. (3) Improper conduct once performing on the contract, including criminal, infamous, dishonest, immoral, or notoriously disgraceful conduct or other conduct prejudicial to the Government regardless of whether the conduct was directly related to the contract. (4) Any behavior judged to pose a potential threat to Departmental information systems, personnel, property, or other assets. (i) Failure to comply with security processing requirements may result in termination of the contract or removal of contract employees from Department of Commerce facilities or denial of access to IT systems. (j) Access to National Security Information. Compliance with these requirements shall not be construed as providing a contract employee clearance to have access to national security information. (k) The contractor shall include the substance of this clause, including this paragraph, in all subcontracts. (End of clause) [75 FR 10570, Mar. 8, 2010; 75 FR 14496, Mar. 26, 2010] (XIV) Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) and assigned rating do not apply. (XV) Quotes are required to be received in the contracting office no later than 4:30 P.M. Mountain Standard Time on March 14, 2011. All quotes must be faxed or emailed to the attention of Suzanne Romberg-Garrett. The fax number is +1 (555) 000-0000 and the email address is contact@example.gov. (XVI) Any questions regarding this solicitation should be directed to Suzanne Romberg-Garrett through the email address: contact@example.gov or fax +1 (555) 000-0000. ? STATEMENT OF WORK - Landscaping/Lawn Care 1. The contractor shall be responsible for satisfactorily managing and performing programs for landscape/lawn maintenance services as specified herein at the following location: National Weather Service Office Weather Forecast Office - Austin/San Antonio 2090 Airport Road New Braunfels, TX 78130 2. Primary Responsibility Joe Arellano, Meteorologist in Charge (MIC) - * The official is referred to throughout the Specifications as the "MIC". Edward Strouhal is the designated Alternate Contact. If any of the services do not conform to contract requirements, the Government may require the Contractor to perform the services again in conformity with contract requirements, at no increase in contract amount or the price of the contract may be reduced to reflect the reduced value of services performed. If the defects in services are not corrected by re-performance, the Government may require the Contractor to take necessary action to ensure that future performance conforms to contract requirements. 3. Legal Requirements and Permits The vendor must procure and maintain at his/her expense, all necessary permits and licenses for the conduct of operations under any order resulting from this Request for Quotation, and hereby agrees to comply with all applicable municipal, State and Federal regulations. This includes Title 7, Chapter 6, Section 136 of the United States Code, Insecticides and Environmental Pesticide Control. All personnel handling pesticides or herbicides will be certified and licensed in the state in which the work is to be performed. All pesticides and/or herbicides will be authorized/approved for use by each state in which the work is to be performed. The offeror must include with the offer package, certification or license for any and all employees that will be handling or applying pesticides in performance of this Statement of Work to be considered for award. 4. Supervisor and Labor. The Contractor shall promptly remove from the work site any supervisor or employee whose work or conduct is not satisfactory to the MIC. The Contractor's supervisor shall be in charge of the work on behalf of the Contractor. The Contractor shall enforce strict discipline and good order among the Contractor's employees. The Contractor shall exercise the necessary supervision and control to prevent Contractor's employees from violating any rules and regulations. 5. Conduct of Work The Contractor should bring any noted defect, disease or insect infestation of the grounds to the attention of the MIC or designate and services under this contract must be performed in such a way that there will be no interruption to, interference with, the normal operation of Government business on the premises. 6. Schedule and Requirements REQUIREMENTS - The hours approved for these services are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Monday through Friday. Mowing will take place per the following schedule or on an as needed basis as directed by the MIC. - Once a week during - April, May, June, July, August and September - Every two weeks during - March, October, November, December - Once a month during - January and February Fertilizer applied once per month during the following months: March, June, September, and November 7. Description of Services The Contractor will be responsible for satisfactorily managing and performing exterior landscape maintenance services at the National Weather Service Office located at 2090 Airport Road in New Braunfels, TX. Exterior grounds consist of lawns, native grass areas, gravel, plant beds, parking lot, walks, driveways and curb. The Contractor must provide all labor, tools, equipment, supervision, herbicides, transportation and any other or services necessary, to maintain the landscaping and grounds in such a manner to present a neat and well maintained appearance. All products used are to be environmentally friendly and a list and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) of these products will be supplied to the MIC for approval. The products are to be non-toxic, biodegradable, and made from renewable sources (not petroleum) to promote a healthy and green environment when possible. The MSDS must be provided by the contractor to the MIC or Administrative Assistant (ASA) where the information will be kept on file in accordance with applicable guidelines of the OSHA Hazard Communications Standard. Requirements pertaining to recordkeeping will be strictly followed, with copy(s) provided to MIC as necessary and upon request. MAINTAIN IMPROVED/SEMI-IMPROVED GROUNDS a. Mow Improved, Semi-Improved Grounds and Native Grassed Areas. Grass cutting of all lawn areas must be completed as per schedule. Mowing will be from property perimeter fence-line to road. Contractor will ensure that mowing near the air conditioning units will be such that the grass clippings are discharged away from the a/c units. Grass clippings must be removed or mulched when visible after mowing. All improved and semi-improved grounds and native grassed areas must look well manicured at all times. b. Edging. Edging of sidewalks, driveways curbs and other concrete or asphalt edges located in the improved/semi-improved grounds must be concurrent with mowing schedule. Edging will include removal of vegetation from cracks in sidewalks, driveways, and curbs. c. Grass/Weed Trimming. Grass and weeds must be trimmed around trees, shrubs, buildings, fences including the property perimeter fencing, poles, posts, fire hydrants, parking lot bumper blocks, boulders, road shoulders and other fixed obstacles concurrent with mowing schedule. Damage to trees and shrubs from trimming must be repaired by the contractor. d. Remove Debris/Police Grounds. The Contractor must perform general litter patrol on all grounds. Responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to, the removal and disposal of all natural debris (tree limbs, dry brush, rodent habitats, dead animals, etc) and manmade debris. All grass clippings must be properly removed and disposed of offsite. Sidewalks and paved areas must be cleaned of all lawn clippings after each mowing. Parking lots, walkways, curb-gutter, sidewalks and concrete flat-work must be kept debris free (includes bark debris, dust and dirt) with the debris properly removed and disposed of offsite. Removal of debris and policing of grounds will be concurrent with mowing schedule. e. Application of Fertilizer. The Contractor must apply an effective fertilizer on all lawns, shrubs, plants and ground cover per Schedule. All fertilizers must be applied in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. f. Trimming and Pruning. The Contractor must maintain a neat and well maintained appearance of all plants, shrubs, and trees by proper pruning, clipping, pinching back and shape maintenance. Shrubs and plants should be trimmed/pruned away from sidewalks as needed or as directed by the MIC or the designated Alternate contact. g. Weed Control. The Contractor must keep all lawns (includes semi-improved and native grassed areas), shrub beds, ground-cover beds, flower beds, graveled areas and all other adjacent areas free of weeds at all times. Any herbicides must be applied by certified or licensed personnel. h. Fire Ant/Insect Control. The Contractor must provide fire ant control in lawn and flower beds concurrent with mowing schedule. Insect control particularly for grub worms and chinch bugs should be done in June and September. i. Mulch. Replace mulch in flower beds around March timeframe. 8. Invoicing The vendor will bill on a monthly basis in arrears. The vendor will complete a service ticket and have the ticket signed by the site manager on completion of each site visit. All pertinent copies of completed forms shall accompany monthly invoices. Observance of Legal Holidays and Site Closure Information The Contractor hereby agrees to observe the following Federal holidays, plus any other day off work designated by Federal Statute, by Executive Order, or by Presidential proclamation: New Year's Day Labor Day Martin Luther King's Birthday Columbus Day President's Day Veteran's Day Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day Independence Day Christmas Day When any holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is observed; when any holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed. All personnel assigned to this contract shall limit their observation of holidays to those set forth above. In each instance, the Contractor agrees to continue to provide sufficient personnel to perform requirements of any critical tasks already in operation or scheduled, and shall be guided by the instructions issued by the Contracting Officer or the MIC. In the event of a site dismissal or closure due to weather, emergency or other circumstances, the contractor is instructed to contact the MIC or Alternate MIC for guidance. The Certification and Accreditation (C&A) requirements of Clause 1352.239-72 do not apply, and a Security Accreditation Package is not required.