Notice of Intent to Sole Source – RAILROAD CLEANERS

Notice of Intent

This document is a Notice of Intent (NOI) from the National Institute of Health, Clinical Center (NIH-CC) to negotiate a contract with Railroad Cleaners on an other than full and open competition basis. The NIH requires a temporary bridge contract to ensure continuity of essential cleaning and laundry services for human safety and healthcare. This NOI is not a request for proposal.

The NIH intends to sole source this requirement to Railroad Cleaners because they are the incumbent contractor, already performing these services, and would require no additional lead or setup time. This is a temporary measure to bridge the gap until a new contract can be awarded. The services are urgent and immediate, critical for patient safety and regulatory compliance. Railroad Cleaners meets all necessary qualifications and certifications.

This acquisition will be conducted using Simplified Acquisition Procedures (FAR Part 13), specifically Subpart 13.106-1(b)(1). This allows contracting officers to solicit from one source when only one source is reasonably available. Contracts awarded under FAR Part 13 are exempt from FAR Part 6 (Competition Requirements).

Comments or questions regarding this announcement should be submitted to Ryssa Nix, Contract Specialist, via email at Ryssa.nix@nih.gov. Please reference the posting number in your communication.

• Notice Type: Notice of Intent
• NAICS Code: 561720
• PSC Code: Q901
• Posted Date: 02/24/2026
• Close Date: 02/27/2026, 12:00 PM EST
• End User IC: Clinical Center
• POC Name: Ryssa Nix
• POC Email: Ryssa.nix@nih.gov

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This PWS outlines the requirements for comprehensive laundry services for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center, Hospice Unit, The Children's Inn, and Edmond J. Safra Family Lodge. The services include pick-up, transportation, cleaning, sanitizing, pressing, folding, bundling, and delivery of soiled and clean linen.

• Bulk Laundry Services: For the Clinical Center, approximately 1,300,000 pounds of soiled linen per year, including sheets, towels, blankets, scrubs, lab coats, mops, and rags.

• Small Load Laundry Services: For The Children's Inn (approx. 39,600 lbs/year) and Safra Family Lodge (approx. 22,000 lbs/year).

• Special Processing: Approximately 20,000 pounds of special processing items annually.

• Pick-up and Delivery: A 24-hour turnaround performance requirement for bulk laundry, with specific pick-up and delivery times for Building 10, Building 62, and Building 65.

• Quality Standards: Services must comply with current Joint Commission Manual and industry standards. Specific requirements for cleanliness, dryness, finish, whiteness, and color are detailed.

• Pickup and Delivery Schedules: 95% on-time performance, with no more than three validated customer complaints per month.

• Quality of Cleaned Laundry: 100% free of dirt, stains, dampness, odors, mildew, and chemical residue; properly finished and packaged (95% compliance, max 3 complaints/month).

• Loss or Damage: Contractor liable for lost or damaged articles, with a maximum allowable weight loss of 10% and shrinkage of 5%. Penalties apply for exceeding these limits.

• Base Period: December 28, 2025, through February 28, 2026.

• Location: NIH facilities in Bethesda, MD.

• Contractor Experience: Minimum five years in hospital/commercial laundry services, 80% in scope and size.

• Key Personnel: Program Manager and Alternate Program Manager with specific experience required.

• Quality Control: Contractor must establish and maintain a Quality Control Program (QCP).

• Contingency Plan: Required for mobilization, labor disputes, and disasters.

• Safety & Sanitation: Compliance with OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standards (29 CFR 1910.1030) and infection control protocols.

• Vehicles: Must be clean and equipped to protect laundry from contamination.

• Government Furnished Property: Carts, some forms, and scales will be provided.