LTBMU Parking Lot Snow Removal and Ice Mitigation Services
AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OF.FOREST SERVICE.USDA-FS, CSA EAST 6 · Response deadline: Fri, 30 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The U.S. Forest Service is seeking snow removal and ice mitigation services for parking lots at the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU). This is routine facilities maintenance work common to federal land management units in snow-prone regions. LTBMU manages federal lands on the California-Nevada border where heavy winter precipitation creates ongoing snow and ice management needs for visitor and operational facilities.
Services under NAICS 561730 (Landscaping Services) typically include plowing, snow hauling or stacking, deicing application, and potentially sidewalk or access route clearing. The "Combined Synopsis/Solicitation" format means this notice serves as both a sources-sought announcement and direct solicitation—vendors should see the full document for complete specifications, equipment requirements, and performance standards.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, CSA East 6 |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | 12444527Q0006 |
| NAICS | 561730 — Landscaping Services |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set-Aside — Total |
| Response deadline | October 30, 2026, 10:00 AM ET |
| Place of performance | California |
Who can bid
This opportunity is limited to small businesses under NAICS 561730. The Small Business Administration size standard for Landscaping Services is typically $16.5 million in average annual receipts; confirm your status in SAM.gov.
Eligibility requires:
- Active SAM registration with current small business representation
- Ability to perform snow/ice services at the specified California location(s)
- Necessary equipment, personnel, and insurance for winter maintenance operations in potentially mountainous terrain
- Past performance references may be required; see the solicitation
The Forest Service may evaluate based on technical approach, past performance, and price. Small business set-asides mean no large business or non-traditional defense contractor competition.
How to put together a competitive bid
Given the seven-day turnaround from posting to deadline, expedited preparation is essential:
Operational credibility. Forest Service parking lots serve public recreation areas with high winter visitation. Demonstrate 24/7 response capability, adequate equipment inventory (plow trucks, loaders, sanders), backup plans for multi-day storms, and experience with federal or commercial snow contracts in similar climates.
Personnel and safety. Winter work on federal land involves remote locations, steep access roads, and potential avalanche terrain. Describe driver qualifications (CDL requirements?), safety protocols, and hazard communication procedures. See the solicitation for specific training or certification requirements.
Environmental compliance. LTBMU operates under strict environmental protections for Lake Tahoe water clarity. Specify deicing products—propylene glycol or magnesium chloride may be preferred over rock salt near water bodies. See the solicitation for approved materials and application rates.
Pricing structure. Snow contracts typically use per-event, per-inch, or seasonal fixed-price arrangements. Clarify the solicitation's preferred structure. Account for mobilization costs, fuel surcharges, and disposal location distances.
Local presence advantage. California-based vendors with rapid response capability to the Tahoe Basin may score higher on technical evaluation.
Next steps
- Read the full solicitation immediately on SAM.gov using solicitation number 12444527Q0006
- Confirm all requirements including insurance levels, equipment specifications, performance schedules, and organic preference programs
- Verify your SAM registration is active and small business status is current
- Observe the strict deadline: October 30, 2026, 10:00 AM Eastern Time — late submissions are inadmissible
View the official notice on SAM.gov →