Small construction companies win government contracts by registering on SAM.gov under the right NAICS code (236220 for general building, $45M size standard), stacking set-aside certifications, securing bonding through the SBA's $9M guarantee program, and bidding on right-sized federal and SLED projects. Here is the complete 7-step path.
Small construction companies win government contracts by registering on SAM.gov under the right NAICS code (236220 for general building, $45M size standard), stacking set-aside certifications, securing bonding through the SBA's $9M guarantee program, and bidding on right-sized federal and SLED proje
Small construction companies win government contracts by registering on SAM.gov under the right NAICS code (236220 for general building, $45M size standard), stacking set-aside certifications, securing bonding through the SBA's $9M guarantee program, and bidding on right-sized federal and SLED projects. Here is the complete 7-step path.
This AIGovBid guide covers trades & construction for small business government contractors and explains the next steps contractors should take.
Most general contractors use NAICS 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction), which carries a $45 million SBA size standard — meaning companies averaging under $45M in annual receipts qualify as small businesses. Specialty trades use their own codes: 238220 for plumbing/HVAC and 238160 for roofing, both with a $19 million size standard.
Yes, for most federal construction work. The Miller Act requires payment and performance bonds on federal construction contracts over $150,000. If you can't get bonding commercially, the SBA Surety Bond Guarantee Program backs bonds on contracts up to $9 million — and up to $14 million on federal contracts when a contracting officer certifies the guarantee is necessary.
Federal construction solicitations are posted on SAM.gov under Contract Opportunities. State, local, and school district (SLED) projects are posted on state procurement portals like Cal eProcure (California) and ESBD (Texas). Most small contractors win their first government work at the SLED level, where award cycles are shorter and competition is lighter.
Yes. Three proven entry paths: start with smaller SLED projects where commercial references are accepted, subcontract under an established prime to build documented past performance, and pursue small-business set-aside contracts where you compete only against other small firms. Contracts between the micro-purchase threshold and $250,000 are automatically reserved for small businesses.
Plan on 6 to 12 months from SAM.gov registration to first award. Registration itself takes roughly 2 to 4 weeks. Most successful new entrants spend the first 90 days on registrations, certifications, and bonding capacity, then bid consistently on right-sized opportunities for 3 to 9 months before their first win.
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