Custodial Services at Aviano Air Base, Italy
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE.U.S. AIR FORCES IN EUROPE.FA5682 31 CONS (UNIT 6102) · Response deadline: Mon, 14 Dec 2026
What the government is buying
The Department of the Air Force, specifically U.S. Air Forces in Europe, is seeking custodial services for Aviano Air Base in Italy. This is a routine facilities-support contract focused on janitorial and cleaning services for military installation buildings and facilities.
NAICS 561720 covers "Janitorial Services," a broad industry category encompassing commercial, industrial, and institutional building cleaning. Federal custodial contracts typically include tasks such as floor care, restroom sanitation, trash removal, and general upkeep of occupied spaces. The specific services required—frequency, square footage, staffing levels, and any specialized cleaning requirements—see the solicitation.
Aviano Air Base is a major U.S. Air Force installation in northeastern Italy, hosting the 31st Fighter Wing. Federal contracts at overseas bases often involve additional considerations such as host-nation labor laws, security clearance requirements for personnel, and coordination with base authorities.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | DEPT OF DEFENSE — DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE — U.S. AIR FORCES IN EUROPE — FA5682 31 CONS (UNIT 6102) |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | FA568227R0001 |
| NAICS | 561720 (Janitorial Services) |
| Set-aside | None (Open competition) |
| Response deadline | December 14, 2026 at 12:00 PM UTC (noon GMT) |
| Place of performance | Aviano Air Base, Italy (see solicitation for specifics) |
Who can bid
This is a full and open competition with no small-business set-aside, meaning any responsible offeror—large or small business, domestic or potentially international—may compete. Small businesses are eligible and encouraged to bid, but will compete directly against all other qualified entities.
To bid, you must be registered in SAM.gov with active registration valid through the contract award period. Overseas work at DOD installations typically requires:
- Compliance with DOD contractor personnel policies for non-appropriated fund employees overseas
- Ability to obtain base access credentials for all personnel
- Adherence to ** Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA)** provisions between the U.S. and Italy regarding civilian workers
- Potential security clearance or background check requirements for personnel entering military facilities
Foreign-owned firms should verify whether Italian law or DOD policy restricts certain contract arrangements. Joint ventures or teaming agreements may help smaller firms meet bonding, staffing, or past-performance requirements.
How to put together a competitive bid
Pricing strategy: Labor costs dominate janitorial contracts. Research Italian wage rates, particularly for the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region; factor in military base premium pay if applicable. Account for euro/dollar exchange rate risk in long-term pricing. Request clarification on whether the government provides any government-furnished equipment or supplies versus contractor-furnished.
Personnel plan: DOD facility contracts emphasize reliability and continuity. Demonstrate how you will recruit, train, and retain qualified staff locally, including backup coverage for absences. Address language requirements—Italian fluency for local hiring, English proficiency for base coordination.
Past performance: Highlight comparable janitorial contracts, especially at military installations, federal facilities, or large institutional complexes. Overseas performance is particularly relevant. If your firm lacks direct experience, consider subcontracting with an established DOD services contractor or forming a mentor-protégé arrangement.
Technical approach: Propose quality assurance methods, inspection protocols, and responsiveness metrics. DOD contracts often use Performance Work Statements rather than detailed specifications—your understanding of outcomes-based service delivery matters.
Compliance focus: Address environmental requirements for cleaning products, waste disposal regulations under Italian and U.S. military standards, and any green purchasing mandates.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation at SAM.gov using solicitation number FA568227R0001—this notice summary does not include the Performance Work Statement, pricing instructions, or evaluation criteria.
Note the deadline: December 14, 2026 at 12:00 PM UTC (7:00 AM Eastern / 1:00 PM local Italian time). Allow time for SAM.gov technical issues and potential questions to the contracting officer.
Submit questions early if anything is unclear about SOFA requirements, local labor law applicability, or government-furnished property.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →