Lawn Maintenance Area D

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. Solicitation number is 12405B20Q0076 is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-83. This solicitation will be a 100% Total Small Business Set-Aside. The associated North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 561730 -- Landscaping Services with a small business size standard of $8.0 Million. Specifications: With the following minimum specifications: STATEMENT OF WORK LAWN MAINTENANCE AND LANDSCAPING SERVICES US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Crop Science Research Laboratory (CSRL) has a requirement for a single Contractor who can provide materials, equipment, supervision, transportation, labor, work plan, and schedule to assure effective performance of lawn maintenance and landscaping services located at 810 Highway 12 East Mississippi State, R.W. Harned Bldg., Mississippi State, MS 39762 SCOPE OF WORK The term under this contract is for the Contractor to perform full lawn maintenance, clean up, and landscaping services to include a minimum of thirty-six (36) grass cuttings per 12-month period. Lawn services to include mowing, trimming, edging, hedging, leaf blowing, and weeding. Proper removal and disposal of any lawn litter including trash, but not limited to clearing of landscape debris such as grass clippings, dry leaves, sticks, fallen tree branches, boots from trees, and loose rocks, etc. as outlined in the specifications below. The following minimum requirements needed for the successful performance of work: Turf Management Lawn Areas ("D"): Clear lawn areas of all litter prior to each mowing/trimming - dispose of off site Mow lawn weekly during the growing season, bi-weekly during 'off-peak' months as indicated on Exhibit C. Sweep / blow clippings from walkways and paved areas at the completion of each mowing service Maintain all lawn areas inaccessible to mowing equipment by string trimmer to maintain proper turf height Trim around all trees, fences, fire hydrants, buildings, signs, etc. with a string trimmer at each mowing service Mechanically edge walkways and curb lines once monthly, blow/sweep clippings Overgrowth from natural areas must be maintained as needed by brush hogging, pruning, string trimming, or other appropriate means to ensure the vegetation does not encroach over curb lines, drive lanes or other currently maintained areas. Notes: With each mowing, the direction of cut is to be changed to prevent mower rutting and present a neat appearance. All mowing equipment will be maintained in sharp, well balanced condition to prevent turf damage and allow for a uniform cut. If weather conditions warrant a deviation from mowing schedule, every effort will be made to retain mowing service lengths. Mulching blades are to be used on all mowing equipment or clippings are to be collected and removed from site after each mowing. Every effort must be made to keep grass clippings from being blown into planting beds and tree mulch rings by mowing equipment or hand blowers. Every effort will be made to keep string trimmers and mowers from girdling bark on trees and shrubs. Litter and Weed Control Maintain planting beds and all hard surfaces including but not limited to: sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, curb lines, loading docks and bare ground areas in a weed-free condition throughout the growing season Collect and remove litter and organic materials from the planting bed and bare ground areas at every visit - dispose of off site Notes: Hand weeding and/or chemical weed control shall be performed at every visit to achieve a weed-free condition. Herbicide/fertilization applications will be made by an applicator that is licensed in the state where the application will be performed. All chemicals shall be used in accordance with label directions and the manufacturers' recommended handling methods. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) will be carried and provided by the applicator as required by the USDA contracting Authority. Fence Line Maintenance . Maintain a twelve-inch (12") clearance on both sides of any currently maintained fencing by string trimming at ground level or chemically spraying the vegetation Perform this service during regularly scheduled service visits, as often as necessary Notes: If the fence line is not currently maintained and there are shrubs, trees and/or vines growing on, near or thru the fence line, a work order will be submitted for approval in order to control this type of vegetation. Herbicide/fertilization applications will be made by an applicator that is licensed in the state where the application will be performed. All chemicals shall be used in accordance with label directions and the manufacturers' recommended handling methods Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) will be carried and provided by the applicator as required by the USDA contracting Authority Irrigation Activation/Deactivation (Where Applicable) Irrigation activation shall be performed as needed to establish and maintain annual color in designated areas. Irrigation deactivation will be performed no later November 15th or date of first frost. It is the Supplier's sole responsibility to determine timing of these services relative to weather conditions at the time of service. Irrigation Activation: Activate system Provide a visual inspection for leaks and/or damages Adjust sprinkler heads and set controllers for spring watering schedule Periodic Clock Adjustments: Adjust the time clock as needed throughout the growing season as the weather conditions dictate Irrigation Deactivation Check all components for proper operation Turn off all water supply lines to prevent freezing. If Contractor notices at any point during the growing season that repairs or further adjustments (leaks, broken heads, dry spots in the landscaping, etc.) outside of this scope are needed, Contractor shall a request to make repairs to USDA project contact. Irrigation Visual Monitoring: At every visit, the Supplier shall check for leaking valves, water running across sidewalks, water standing in puddles. The Supplier shall carefully observe seasonal materials for signs of wilting, indicating a lack of water. Notes: Any work beyond this scope mentioned within this specification will require a work order and prior approval. Spring Clean up Fallen branches and sticks will be collected and removed Collect any litter - dispose of off site Turn / cultivate all existing mulch or add such that there is at least a 1" mulch depth, to ensure a neatly maintained appearance. Provide a general leaf cleanup of the entire location Ornamental grasses/perennials will be cut back to allow for new growth Notes: Spring Clean-up will be performed once in the spring after the last frost. The purpose of this cleanup is to bring landscaped areas to a manageable condition for the season. Fall Clean up Clean out any litter or broken branches/sticks from any landscaped areas, along with all dropped leaves - dispose of offsite. Service visits will include a thorough litter and leaf pick up of the entire site, including curb lines, fence lines and parking lots. Ornamental grasses/perennials will be cut back Notes: Fall Clean-up will be performed on an ongoing basis during the fall defoliation process. Natural Areas (AREA "D") Natural areas within the site boundaries that are currently being maintained will be serviced at the frequency indicated in the Service schedule on Exhibit B. In areas that cannot be maintained with a mower, other conventional means such as brush hogging or string trimming will be used to ensure the vegetation is controlled and maintained to prevent city code violations or other local government agency violations. Notes: Only approved herbicides may be used in proximity to drainage ways in natural areas to assist in preventing the risk of downstream contamination. PURCHASE OF FLOWERS: All flowers will be purchased by the selected maintenance contractor, twice a year. General Information All debris and refuse shall be disposed of (off site) by the maintenance contractor in accordance with local statutes and at contractor's sole cost and expense. No debris shall be disposed of in on-site dumpsters. Supplier will not be present on USDA property while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances, nor shall any alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances be possessed or used while on Customer's premises. Contractor will not possess a firearm, knife, or weapon of any type, while on USDA premises. Suppliers are required to respect the property of the USDA, ensuring that equipment or mechanical discharge does not damage buildings, equipment, furnishings, or fixtures. Supplier shall immediately notify USDA on-site representative should inadvertent damage occurs. Contractor's personnel will be appropriately dressed to perform the work expected of them. At no time, will shirts or shoes be removed while working on USDA premises. It is the responsibility of the contractor to perform regular inspections of the site(s) and notify USDA of any additional work that needs to be done, including, but not limited to, irrigation repairs, health of plant materials and trees, safety issues or beautification of the property. Pictures must be supplied if requested b) Contractor who will be carrying out the assigned task must have a minimum of three (3) continuous years' experience in the ownership and direct management of arboricultural work. c) Contractor must carry current state licenses and or certificates to perform the assigned tasks. d) Contractor must be responsible in obtaining any permits, licenses, certificates or fees required for the performance of his duties. e) Contractor must provide at least (3) references of successful completed lawn maintenance service contracts. f) The Contractor will be responsible to supply all lawn equipment, power tools, hand tools, personal protective equipment, covering, cleaning equipment, supervision, transportation, and all efforts necessary to carry out the assigned task herein. The service cost is to include any equipment rented or owned by the contractor. g) All services shall be completed in a workmanship manner and in accordance with the Federal, State, County and or City standards. Any services which are not presented in an orderly and reasonable neat and or workmanlike appearance shall be reworked when so directed by the Contracting Officer or Government authorized representative at no cost to the Government. h) The Contractor, upon completion of work, is responsible for cleaning and removing from site all debris, materials, and equipment associated with the work performed.