Open federal opportunities

Janitorial Services for the Blackduck Ranger District on the Chippewa National Forest

AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OF.FOREST SERVICE.USDA-FS, CSA EAST 7 · Response deadline: Mon, 16 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The Forest Service needs janitorial services for the Blackduck Ranger District on the Chippewa National Forest in northern Minnesota. This is a recurring type of service contract that federal land management agencies use to maintain cleanliness and sanitary conditions in administrative and public-facing facilities on federal property. Janitorial services under NAICS 561720 typically cover tasks such as cleaning offices, restrooms, common areas, and other building spaces; refuse removal; restocking supplies; and sometimes floor care, window cleaning, or specialized sanitation work. The specific facilities, square footage, frequency of service, and any unique requirements (such as compliance with federal green cleaning standards or security protocols for federal buildings) are not specified in the available metadata—see the solicitation for the full Statement of Work.

Key facts

Who can bid

This contract is open to all responsible offerors—no small-business set-aside applies. Large businesses, small businesses, and eligible subcontractors may all compete. Businesses in any socioeconomic category (8(a), HUBZone, service-disabled veteran-owned, women-owned, etc.) may bid, though no preference applies beyond standard federal procurement evaluation factors.

To bid, a company must:

• Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) with active status
• Hold a valid Unique Entity ID
• meet the small business size standard for NAICS 561720 ($47.5 million annual receipts) if claiming small-business status for subcontracting plans or other purposes

The Forest Service may evaluate past performance on similar janitorial or facilities maintenance contracts, so firms with federal or commercial cleaning experience should highlight relevant references.

How to put together a competitive bid

For an open janitorial services competition, pricing and technical approach typically drive award decisions. Consider these specifics:

Pricing strategy: Labor costs dominate janitorial contracts. Build your proposal around prevailing wage rates in Beltrami County, Minnesota, and confirm whether the Service Contract Act applies—federal janitorial contracts usually require SCA wage determinations, which mandate minimum hourly pay and fringe benefits for service employees. Factor these into your cost model precisely; underpricing here creates compliance risk and profit erosion.

Personnel and reliability: Emphasize stable staffing plans, backup coverage for absent workers, and supervision quality. Remote federal facilities like ranger districts value consistency and responsiveness.

Environmentally preferable products: The Forest Service, as a land management agency, often prioritizes green cleaning. If you can document use of EPA Safer Choice or biobased products, include this.

Safety and credentials: Detail your safety record, background check procedures for workers with facility access, and any relevant training (OSHA, bloodborne pathogens, hazardous communication).

Past performance: Provide at least 2-3 references for comparable contracts, ideally federal or similar rural/remote facilities.

Next steps

Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number 12444627Q0008. The complete Statement of Work, evaluation criteria, SCA wage determination, and any amendments will be posted there. Note the firm deadline of November 16, 2026, at 5:00 PM Central Time—late submissions are ineligible under federal acquisition rules. Request clarification through the listed contracting officer if any requirements are unclear, and allow time for SAM.gov registration or renewal if needed.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →