Lawn Mowing & Landscaping Services Needed for the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Supervisor's Office

The USDA Forest Service issued a document addressing questions from potential contractors regarding a lawn services requirement. The document clarifies that this is an existing requirement, not new, and incumbent contractors should state their status. Pricing should reflect services from May to September, even though the schedule lists 12 monthly units. Service frequency should be determined by the contractor to maintain grass height and other standards, with weekly visits to assess needs. Bidders can include seed, fertilizer, and weed control in their fixed monthly price, but cannot bill for unused products. Invoices are to be submitted monthly only when services have occurred. A formal site visit is not required.

This document is a Wage Determination under the Service Contract Act for various occupations in specific Wisconsin counties, with a last revision date of December 3, 2025. It lists hourly wage rates for administrative, automotive, food service, furniture maintenance, general services, health, information and arts, information technology, instructional, laundry, machine tool, materials handling, mechanics and maintenance, personal needs, plant and system operations, protective service, recreation, stevedoring/longshoremen, technical, transportation, and miscellaneous occupations. The document outlines fringe benefits, including health and welfare, vacation (2-4 weeks), and eleven paid holidays. It also details special provisions for computer employees, night/Sunday pay for air traffic controllers and weather observers, hazardous pay differentials (4% or 8%), and uniform allowances. A conformance process is described for unlisted occupations, requiring contractors to propose classifications and rates for Department of Labor approval.

The provided document, originating from the US Department of Agriculture's Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, appears to be a partial map or geographical reference. The key elements identified are road names, specifically

The USDA Forest Service issued a directive on April 22, 2026, informing contractors about a new requirement to incorporate FAR 52.222-90, "Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors," into all existing contracts above the micro-purchase threshold. This mandate stems from Executive Order 14398, which prohibits federal contractors from engaging in racially discriminatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) activities. Such discrimination includes disparate treatment based on race or ethnicity in recruitment, employment, contracting, program participation, or resource allocation. Contractors are also required to report subcontractor misconduct and provide access to records upon request from the Contracting Officer. This ensures compliance with the Executive Order and promotes non-discriminatory practices in federal contracting.

The USDA Forest Service Experience Questionnaire (Attachment F) is a mandatory form for contractors, as per FSH 6309.31 and 41 USC 1, to assess their qualifications for solicitations. It requires detailed information including contractor name, address, UEI, and business type. The form asks for years of experience as a prime and/or sub-contractor, and a list of projects completed within the last three years, including contract amount, type, completion date, and owner contact. Additionally, it requires a list of current contractual commitments, details on any past failures to complete work, and information on the proposed organization, including minimum and maximum employees, payroll status, and estimated progress rates. Contractors must also provide the experience of principal individuals, a list of equipment with maintenance plans, and descriptions of their inspection/quality control, safety plan, and proposed schedule, including the use of bio-based products. The document concludes with a certification section requiring the certifying official's name, title, signature, and date.

The Independent Government Estimate (IGE) form provides instructions for federal procurement, detailing different types of IGEs such as "Stand Alone," "Stand Alone w/options," "IDIQ," and "Task Order." The document emphasizes that an IGE must be an independent estimate, not a contractor quote, and should match the level of detail found in a contractor's Schedule of Items. It serves to determine procurement value, identify applicable thresholds, and evaluate offeror understanding and price reasonableness. The form includes a "Schedule of Items" section, requiring descriptions, estimated quantities, and pay units, with examples provided for recurring services like lawn maintenance with defined performance periods and option years, reinforcing the use of firm fixed-price contracts.

This Statement of Work outlines the requirements for lawn and landscape maintenance services at the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Rhinelander Supervisor Office in Rhinelander, WI. The contractor must provide all necessary personnel, equipment, and materials to maintain the lawn and landscaped areas from May through September. Services are to be performed during non-business hours (outside Monday-Friday, 6:00 am - 5:00 pm). Key requirements include maintaining a lush green lawn between 2.5” and 3.5” in length, removing weeds from hardscapes within a week, and disposing of all debris off-site. Any chemicals used must be approved by the COR, with safety data sheets and applicable licenses provided. Performance standards cover work schedule adherence, chemical approval, lawn care quality, hardscape cleanliness, and debris removal, with specific acceptable quality percentages and monitoring methods.

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is soliciting bids for lawn and landscape maintenance at its Rhinelander Supervisor’s Office (Solicitation: 12444526Q0037). This is a total small business set-aside. The contractor will provide all personnel, equipment, materials, and supervision for services from May through September, performed during non-business hours. Specific requirements include lawn care (mowing to 2.5”-3.5”, seeding, fertilizing, weed removal), hardscape care (cleaning, weeding), and off-site debris disposal. The contract includes a one-year base period (06/01/2026-05/31/2027) and four one-year option periods, not exceeding five years and six months. Quotes are due by May 29, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST, submitted via email. Award will be based on the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable methodology, evaluating technical capability, past performance (Pass/Fail), and price.