Solicitation Notice for Gardening Services at the Embassy and Ambassador’s Residence

The contract requires the provision of comprehensive gardening and landscape maintenance services at two U.S. government properties in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei: the U.S. Embassy Chancery and the Ambassador’s Residence. The contractor must furnish all labor, materials, equipment, and services necessary to meet strict performance standards, including daily removal of leaves and twigs, elimination of molds and slippery growth on walkways and drainage using waterjet spraying, maintenance of a forested area with grass cut to a height of 4 to 6 centimeters, and replacement of any plants, shrubs, or trees under three meters in height that die due to old age or contractor negligence at no additional cost to the government. All chemical products, including fertilizers and pesticides, must be pre-approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative and accompanied by Material Safety Data Sheets, with fertilizer explicitly prohibited from storage at either site. The contract is structured as a firm-fixed price agreement with a base period running from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027, and includes two one-year option periods that the government may exercise at its sole discretion, for a maximum total duration of three years. The Independent Government Cost Estimate for the entire potential period is $206,430.00, and the anticipated award will be made using a lowest priced, technically acceptable methodology to a responsible contractor who meets all FAR 9.1 responsibility criteria, including financial stability, ethical standing, and adequate resources and capacity to perform. Proposals must be submitted by June 9, 2026, via email to BSBGSOProcurement@state.gov or by physical delivery to the General Services Office in Bandar Seri Begawan, with all submissions remaining valid for 90 days. Offerors are required to complete an SF-1449 form, provide evidence of an established business with a permanent address and phone listing, name a Project Manager fluent in English, and include Defense Base Act insurance costs for employees. Compliance with numerous FAR clauses is mandatory, including Service Contract Labor Standards, Fair Labor Standards Act price adjustments, whistleblower protections, contractor ethics, and restrictions on subcontractor sales. The contractor must also implement a Quality Assurance and Surveillance Plan and allow for surprise government inspections to ensure adherence to performance standards based on visual landscape appearance. Payments will be made monthly via electronic funds transfer following submission of properly formatted invoices referencing the contract number and fulfilling all FAR 32.905(e)