Construction of new single-family homes for military family housing and government residential programs. Find active federal and state new single-family housing construction contracts — AI-scored against your profile across SAM.gov and 200+ portals.
Annual federal spend under NAICS 236115 is estimated at $1.5–2.5 billion, driven primarily by military family housing (DoD), HUD's Section 202/811 supportive housing, and tribal housing programs. Demand fluctuates with defense budgets and affordable housing initiatives. Contracts are predominantly firm-fixed-price, awarded via competitive sealed bidding (IFB) or negotiated RFP. Most work is awarded as single-project contracts, though some agencies use multiple-award IDIQs for recurring needs. Competition is moderate; large primes dominate military projects, but small businesses win many HUD and tribal awards. The market is cyclical, with spikes during BRAC realignments and disaster recovery.
These agencies are the largest buyers of new single-family housing construction services and products in the federal government. Each awards contracts under NAICS 236115 regularly — build relationships with their small business offices first.
Focus on agencies with set-aside mandates: HUD's Office of Housing and VA's Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem program often reserve awards for small businesses. The highest-leverage move is to pursue 8(a) or HUBZone certification and target tribal housing projects via Indian Health Service or Bureau of Indian Affairs. Bid on firm-fixed-price contracts with a lean, competitive price; past performance in similar residential construction is critical. Avoid chasing large DoD MHPI projects unless you can team with a developer. Instead, win smaller, recurring awards from local VA or HUD offices.
Work is typically bought via firm-fixed-price contracts using LPTA or best-value tradeoff. Common vehicles include GSA Schedule 8 (not typical for housing), HUD's Section 202 IDIQs, and agency-specific IDIQs (e.g., DoD's MHPI). Evaluation focuses on price, past performance, and technical approach. Set-asides under 8(a) and HUBZone are frequent.
Most contracts require bid bonds (20% of bid amount) and performance/payment bonds (100% of contract value). For projects over $150,000, the Miller Act mandates bonds. Small businesses should secure bonding capacity up to $10 million via SBA's Surety Bond Guarantee Program.
No federal contractor license exists, but you must comply with state licensing where the project is located. Many agencies require proof of state general contractor license and registration in SAM.gov. For military housing, additional security clearances may be needed.
Moderately competitive. Small businesses win about 35–40% of awards by value, especially in HUD and tribal set-asides. DoD projects are more competitive and often won by large primes. Key to winning is targeting 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB set-asides.
Awards vary widely: small projects (4–10 units) average $1–3 million; larger developments (50+ units) can exceed $20 million. HUD Section 202 projects average $5–15 million. Most small business awards fall between $500,000 and $5 million.
Yes, but you must self-perform at least 15% of the cost (for general construction) per FAR 52.219-14. Many small business primes subcontract framing, plumbing, and electrical. Ensure your subcontractors are also registered in SAM.