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 intends to lease approximately 4,000 to 6,000 usable square feet of office or retail commercial space in Terre Haute, Indiana. The space will serve as an Armed Forces Career Center to support U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps recruiting operations. The government seeks a facility that will accommodate joint military recruiting activities, including administrative offices, interview rooms, and public reception areas suitable for engaging with prospective service members.

This requirement falls under NAICS code 531190, which covers "Lessors of Other Real Estate Property" - essentially commercial property leasing arrangements. This classification indicates the government is not purchasing construction services or buying a building, but rather entering into a lease agreement for existing commercial space that meets specified operational needs.

Key facts

Who can bid

This solicitation is full and open competition with no small business set-aside specified in the official notice. Any responsible offeror - including small businesses, large businesses, veteran-owned firms, women-owned enterprises, and other entities - may submit a proposal, provided they can demonstrate capability to lease suitable commercial property in Terre Haute, Indiana.

For small business owners, this is both an opportunity and a competitive challenge. Without a set-aside, you will compete directly with commercial real estate firms and property management companies of all sizes. However, if you own or control qualifying commercial property in the Terre Haute area, or have relationships with property owners who would authorize you to act as leasing agent, you remain eligible to participate.

How to put together a competitive bid

Real estate lease solicitations with the federal government require specific documentation beyond standard commercial leasing practices. Focus on these elements:

Property fundamentals: Ensure your proposed space is genuinely available and located within Terre Haute city limits or immediately adjacent areas that recruiters can effectively serve the designated market. The government typically evaluates location accessibility, parking availability, proximity to target demographics, and visibility to pedestrian and vehicle traffic.

Financial structure: Develop competitive rental rates that account for the government's standard lease provisions, including firm-term requirements and potential termination rights. Government leases often include clauses for annual adjustments, typically tied to published indices rather than negotiated increases.

Compliance documentation: Prepare evidence of clear title or authority to lease, current zoning compliance, Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility features, and environmental status. The Corps of Engineers will require verification that the property carries no unacceptable contamination risks.

Security and operational readiness: Recruiting centers require specific security features including controlled access, alarm systems, and sometimes reinforced construction. See the solicitation for precise security standards.

Past performance: If your firm has previous government leasing experience, particularly with military or federal civilian agencies, highlight this track record. First-time federal lessors should demonstrate commercial leasing competence and financial stability.

Because this is full and open competition, emphasize any small business advantages indirectly - local market knowledge, responsiveness, and relationship-based service - rather than expecting preference points.

Next steps

Access and read the complete solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number W912QR-TERREHAUTE(7TH)INFY27. The full document will contain detailed space requirements, mandatory lease provisions, evaluation criteria, and specific submission instructions.

Critical deadline: All proposals must be submitted by October 30, 2026, at 5:30 PM Eastern Time. Note this is a relatively short response window given the October 14, 2026 posting date - approximately two weeks - suggesting either straightforward requirements or potential urgency in the government's timeline. Do not delay obtaining the full solicitation and confirming your property's eligibility against stated criteria.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →