Open federal opportunities

ARMED FORCES CAREER CENTER

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE ARMY.US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS.ENGINEER DIVISION GREAT LAKES AND OHIO.ENDIST LOUISVILLE.W072 ENDIST LOUISVILLE · Response deadline: Fri, 30 Oct 2026

What the government is buying

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District is soliciting offers for an Armed Forces Career Center. This is a facilities-related acquisition under NAICS 531190, which covers lessors of other real estate property. The work involves providing real estate solutions for military recruiting operations—specifically space for an Armed Forces Career Center in McHenry, Illinois.

Armed Forces Career Centers serve as local hubs for military recruiting activities, including applicant testing, interviews, and administrative processing. These facilities typically require accessible locations with adequate parking, meeting spaces, and infrastructure to support both military personnel and civilian visitors. The government is seeking to lease suitable commercial space rather than construct or purchase a facility.

Key facts

Who can bid

This solicitation is full and open competition with no set-aside restriction. Any responsible offeror capable of leasing commercial real estate may submit a proposal, including:

• Small businesses (including those with no preference program certification)
• Large businesses
• Veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, women-owned, HUBZone, and 8(a) firms (may still use certifications for past performance or subcontracting advantages, though no price evaluation preference applies)

Because NAICS 531190 carries a small business size standard, see the solicitation to confirm whether size standards or alternative qualifications affect your eligibility for any contract structuring. You must be registered in SAM.gov and hold an active Unique Entity ID to bid.

How to put together a competitive bid

Understand the government's space requirements. See the solicitation for square footage, layout specifications, parking requirements, security features, and any required proximity to population centers or transportation. Armed Forces Career Centers typically need street-visible, accessible locations with specific hours of operation compatibility.

Structure your lease proposal carefully. Government lease proposals generally require detailed information about:

• Exact property address and legal description
• Shell and finished condition of the space
• Base rent, escalation clauses, and operating expense treatments
• Tenant improvement allowances and build-out timelines
• Utility allocations and janitorial services

Demonstrate property readiness. The government often evaluates based on speed to occupancy and minimal required modifications. Properties already meeting or near-specification may score higher on technical evaluation. Prepare documentation of zoning compliance, ADA accessibility, and recent inspection records.

Price competitively but sustainably. Government real estate leases typically use firm fixed pricing. Evaluate your carrying costs, property taxes, and anticipated expenses over the lease term carefully.

Highlight past performance. Document any prior government leases, especially with defense or GSA agencies. Property management experience and responsiveness to tenant issues carry weight in technical evaluation.

Next steps

1. Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number W912QR-MCHENRYILFY27 to access complete specifications, evaluation criteria, and proposal instructions.

2. Note the deadline: Proposals are due Friday, October 30, 2026 at 5:30 PM Eastern Time. Allow time for SAM.gov registration, entity validation, and any required representations or certifications if not already current.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →