The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is soliciting bids for cleaning services at its Foreign Disease Weed Science Research Unit (FDWSRU) in Fort Detrick, Maryland. This is a firm-fixed-price purchase order, with one award anticipated. Quotes will be evaluated based on the lowest price technically acceptable criteria, considering price, technical acceptability, and past performance. Technical submissions must detail the offeror's ability to perform the services and provide past project experience. Quotes are due by January 5, 2026, at 4:00 PM Central Time, and must be submitted electronically to jessica.pacheco@usda.gov. Offerors must be actively registered with SAM.gov and agree to hold prices for 90 days.

This Statement of Work outlines requirements for cleaning services at the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Foreign Disease Weed Science Research Unit (FDWSRU) on Fort Detrick, Maryland. The contractor will provide transportation, supervision, and labor for weekly cleaning at two buildings: 1301 Ditto Avenue and 374 Beasley Drive. The USDA ARS FDWSRU will supply all cleaning supplies and equipment. Services include emptying wastebaskets, mopping, dusting, sanitizing, and specific tasks for laboratories, material handling rooms, and locker/change rooms. Notably, the contractor must not touch perceived medical waste and must adhere to strict safety and security protocols, including a Tier 2 clearance, due to the presence of a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) facility. This BSL3 facility, located in Building 374, requires specific entry/exit procedures, including changing into provided garments and a mandatory shower upon exit from the “hot” side. The contract period runs from the date of award until September 27, 2026, with work typically performed Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding federal holidays.

The document outlines the specifications for a federal government Request for Proposal (RFP) or grant, focusing on infrastructure upgrades or services. It details various components of a project, including general requirements, specific services, and administrative procedures. The file appears to be a highly technical document, possibly related to construction, maintenance, or IT services, given the alphanumeric codes and structured format. Key sections likely include statements of work, deliverables, performance standards, and contractual terms. The content is fragmented, but the overall structure indicates a comprehensive government solicitation for a project requiring specialized expertise and adherence to strict guidelines. The document lists numerous sub-sections, each likely detailing a specific aspect of the project or service being procured.

This document addresses questions and answers for solicitation number 1232SA26Q0024, focusing on cleaning services for a federal government facility. The total area to be serviced is 7545 sq ft, including 14 laboratories, material handling rooms, and various locker rooms with bathrooms. All cleaning is weekly, with additional “as needed” tasks. Specific areas, including some locker rooms and a material handling room, are considered plant pathogen containment areas and are treated as BSL-3 facilities. Cleaning hours are typically mornings, Monday to Friday. A Tier 2 clearance is required for all contractor personnel, with Tier 1 suitability needed before escorted work can begin. Escorts will be provided by the government until Tier 2 clearance is adjudicated. The anticipated contract start date is soon after January 12, 2026, with quotes due on the same day by 4:00 PM CST. The period of performance is from the award date until September 27, 2026, with no option periods beyond FAR 52.217-8. Pricing is typically invoiced monthly, with no specific format required. The government anticipates 2 people for 1 hour each for lab cleaning and 2 people for 2 hours each for locker room cleaning and lab mopping. This is a new requirement, and the facility has experienced past issues with lack of oversight and insufficient backup staff.