Grounds

The Department of the Air Force Air Education and Training Command is seeking a contractor to provide comprehensive grounds maintenance services at Columbus Air Force Base (CAFB) and Shuqualak Auxiliary Airfield in Mississippi. The contractor shall supply all personnel, equipment, tools, supervision, and services necessary to maintain healthy grass, trees, shrubs, and plants while ensuring a clean, neat, and professional appearance across both facilities. Key contract requirements include mowing at specified heights (2-4 inches for improved grounds, 4-10 inches for semi-improved areas, and 7-14 inches for airfield BASH areas), edging, trimming, debris removal, leaf removal six times annually, planter bed maintenance, tree pruning and removal, and fertilization of athletic fields. Performance will be evaluated on a results-based approach using defect thresholds specific to each service category, with standards ranging from one defect for unimproved areas to five defects for improved grounds. The contractor must submit all questions and responses by April 3, 2026, which serves as the deadline for this sources-sought posting; however, no award will be made as a result of this posting, as it is intended to identify potential contractors for future solicitation.

This opportunity is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside, restricting competition to small business entities. The contract will span five years on a base term with four optional renewal years, commencing October 1, 2026. The contractor will be responsible for maintaining approximately 2,113 acres across both locations, including 350 acres of improved grounds, 1,751 acres of semi-improved grounds including airfield areas, and 12 acres of unimproved grounds. The contractor must provide an on-site manager, submit quality control and grounds maintenance plans within ten business days of contract start, maintain constant radio contact during airfield operations, and comply with Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) standards and all environmental reporting requirements. The government will furnish the contractor with 1,920 square feet of floor space and 19,000 square feet of exterior space, utilities, mulch, topsoil, wood chips, and security services, with normal operating hours established as 6:30 AM to 4:15 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays.