Construction of apartment buildings and multifamily units for government affordable housing programs. Find active federal and state new multifamily housing construction contracts — AI-scored against your profile across SAM.gov and 200+ portals.
Annual federal spend for NAICS 236116 is approximately $2–3 billion, driven primarily by HUD's Multifamily Housing Programs, DoD's Military Housing Privatization Initiative (MHPI), and VA's Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH). Contracts are typically awarded as firm-fixed-price IDIQs or design-build projects, with task orders for specific sites. Demand fluctuates with affordable housing budgets and military housing needs. Competition is moderate, with about 15–20 active small businesses per major solicitation.
These agencies are the largest buyers of new multifamily housing construction services and products in the federal government. Each awards contracts under NAICS 236116 regularly — build relationships with their small business offices first.
To win, focus on HUD's 202(a) and Section 8 project-based vouchers, which fund new construction. The highest-leverage move is to form a joint venture with a Section 3 or HUBZone-certified firm, as HUD and DoD prioritize these set-asides. Most contracts are 8(a) or SDVOSB set-asides; bid on IDIQ pools early to establish past performance. Avoid chasing DoD MHPI alone—partner with a large developer.
Most work is awarded via LPTA for standard designs, but best-value tradeoff for complex projects. Common vehicles include HUD's 202(a) IDIQs, DoD's MHPI IDIQs, and GSA's Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) 236116. Evaluation focuses on past performance, price, and small business participation plans.
For contracts over $150,000, Miller Act bonds (payment and performance) are mandatory. Most agencies require 100% performance and 20% payment bonds. Small businesses can use the SBA's Surety Bond Guarantee Program to secure bonds up to $10 million.
Yes, you need a general contractor license in the state where the project is located. Some agencies also require HUD Section 3 certification or Davis-Bacon wage determination compliance. No federal license exists, but SAM registration and active UEI are mandatory.
Awards range from $5 million to $50 million, with a median of $15 million for IDIQ task orders. Standalone projects for 50–100 units average $20 million. HUD's 202(a) projects are often $10–30 million.
No, the Limitations on Subcontracting rule requires small businesses to perform at least 15% of the cost of the contract with their own employees for general construction. You cannot subcontract more than 85% of the work.
HUD Section 3 certification (for low-income hiring), HUBZone, 8(a), and SDVOSB are most valued. Many RFPs give evaluation preference for Section 3 status. LEED or Green Building certification is also a plus for VA and DoD projects.