The Black Hills HCS requires grounds fertilization and weed landscaping services in accordance with the draft Statement of Work (SOW) below. This is a sources sought/proof of capability solicitation looking for vendors to perform the services per the SOW for market research purposes. No awards of a contract will be made from this announcement. If you are a vendor that can complete the work described in the SOW with competitive pricing, please send your contact and organization information with a description of proof of capability to: joseph.bloomer@va.gov on or before February 28th, 2025. Only emailed responses will be considered. Additionally, please provide answers as appropriate to the following questions in the table below with your response to this sources sought. Failure to respond to the following questions may affect the acquisition strategy. 1. Identify your organization's socio-economic category. 2. State whether any of the requested services may be ordered against a government contract awarded to your organization (e.g Federal Supply Schedule (FSS), General Services Administration (GSA), etc.). 3. State if subcontracting is contemplated for this requirement and what percentage of the work will be subcontracted and for what tasks.   *If applicable, VAAR 852.219-75 VA Notice of Limitations on Subcontracting Certificate of Compliance for Services and Construction, will apply to the potential solicitation if set-aside for Veteran Owned Small-Businesses or Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small-Businesses.* *If applicable, FAR 52.219-14 Limitations on Subcontracting, will apply to the potential solicitation if set-aside for Small-Businesses.* Statement of Work Grounds and Maintenance Contract Black Hills VA Health Care System, Fort Meade and Hot Springs, South Dakota General Intention: Contractor shall provide all supervision, tools, labor, materials, equipment, transportation, and incidentals necessary for the following services: weed control, grass fertilization, tree insect control, tree fertilization, and soil sterilization. Primary applications will be; Spring-April and May, Summer- June thru August, and Fall- September. Contractor will provide monthly fallow up spot spraying during June, July, and August to maintain weeds as needed. Background: The Black Hills VA Health Care System, Fort Meade Campus: is roughly 200 acres made up of parade grounds, grass/lawn, a variety of trees, landscaping flowers, and shrubs to include the adjacent SD Highway right-of-way. The Black Hills VA Health Care System, Hot Springs Campus: is roughly 22 acres made up of parade grounds, grass/lawn, a variety of trees, landscaping flowers, and bushes. Past performance requirement: The contractor must have at least three (3) years of experience and possess the proper State/Federal License and Certifications to handle and apply the chemicals and materials as required by the manufacturer s application specifications. Contractor shall comply with all Local, State, and Federal regulations during the performance of this contract. All materials, equipment, chemicals and MSD sheets used on VA property will need to be submitted for approval to the COR prior starting work onsite. 2-4 D products are not permitted for use on VA property. Herbicides used for general weed and noxious weed control (i.e. 5 gal/25 gal Dicamba to MCPA mix) will be safe to use around trees and ornamental vegetation on the properties. General Requirements: Contractor shall provide all supervision, labor, materials, equipment, and incidentals necessary to accomplish work elements and requirements outlined in this Statement of Work (SOW). Contractor Awareness- Special care must be taken around areas where air intakes, patient and staff entrances/exits are located around the VA facilities. Any damage to station flowers, trees, shrubs, and physical plants will not be allowed without prior approval by COR. Any damage caused by the contractor will be corrected at the contractor s expense. Tobacco use of any kind is not permitted on the campus grounds of VA Black Hills Health Care System (BHHCS) by Veterans, family and visitors, volunteers, contractors, and sub-contractors. Where equipment, temporary installations, ingress/egress restrictions or any other consideration is necessary, signage in such areas shall be provided by Contractor. The Contractor shall store all chemicals off site and confine all staging activities within the anticipated application area with the COR for approval, at each location. It is up to the Contractor to field verify all existing conditions, dimensions, and quantities prior to contract award. Time and date for site visits need to be coordinated with COR, prior to visit. Change Orders: Any work that is not addressed by the contract and is considered a change order shall be immediately brought to the attention of the Contracting Officer. No out-of-scope or additional work shall be executed prior to negotiation with the