Southern Research Station - Bent Creek Janitorial Services
AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OF.FOREST SERVICE.WALLOWA WHITMAN NATIONAL FOREST · Response deadline: Mon, 26 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The U.S. Forest Service is soliciting janitorial services for the Bent Creek area of its Southern Research Station in Asheville, North Carolina. The Southern Research Station is one of the Forest Service's research and development branches, conducting scientific studies on forest ecosystems, natural resources, and environmental conditions across the southeastern United States. Janitorial services for research facilities typically include routine cleaning of laboratories, offices, common areas, and restrooms; floor care; waste removal; and potentially specialized cleaning protocols for spaces with sensitive equipment or materials. see the solicitation for the complete statement of work, performance standards, and any security or access requirements.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Agriculture, Department of — Forest Service — Wallowa Whitman National Forest |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | 1240BE27Q0006 |
| NAICS | 561720 |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set Aside - Total |
| Response deadline | October 26, 2026 at 1:00 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Asheville, NC |
Who can bid
This opportunity is reserved for small businesses under a total small business set-aside. To qualify, your business must meet the Small Business Administration's size standard for NAICS code 561720 (Janitorial Services), which is typically based on average annual receipts. You must also be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and have an active registration at the time of proposal submission.
Businesses certified through SBA programs—such as 8(a), HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), or Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)—may have additional advantages in competing for Forest Service contracts, though this specific opportunity is open to all qualified small businesses without restriction to a particular socioeconomic category.
How to put together a competitive bid
For janitorial services contracts, agencies evaluate on technical approach, past performance, and price. Focus on these elements:
- Personnel plan: Detail how you will recruit, train, and supervise cleaning staff for a research environment. Emphasize reliability, background check readiness, and any experience with federal facilities or scientific settings.
- Quality control: Describe your inspection processes, customer feedback mechanisms, and corrective action procedures. The Forest Service will expect documented accountability.
- Environmental practices: Given the agency's mission, highlight use of green cleaning products, sustainable practices, or EPA Safer Choice-certified supplies if applicable.
- Bonding and insurance: Federal janitorial contracts typically require minimum insurance limits; see the solicitation for specific requirements and ensure your coverage aligns.
- Pricing structure: Develop firm fixed-price or other permitted pricing. Labor costs in Asheville, North Carolina should reflect local wage rates; if the Davis-Bacon Act or Service Contract Act applies, confirm prevailing wage obligations in the solicitation.
- Past performance: Prepare references from comparable contracts, preferably federal or commercial janitorial accounts of similar size and complexity.
Next steps
- Access the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number 1240BE27Q0006.
- Review the statement of work, evaluation criteria, and any amendments carefully—this notice is a combined synopsis/solicitation, meaning the full documents are available for immediate download.
- Confirm your SAM.gov registration is active and your business profile reflects NAICS 561720.
- Submit your proposal before the deadline of October 26, 2026 at 1:00 PM Eastern Time; late submissions are generally not accepted.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →