Structural framing for government buildings, military housing, and federal construction projects. Find active federal and state framing contractors contracts — AI-scored against your profile across SAM.gov and 200+ portals.
Annual federal spend for NAICS 238130 (Framing Contractors) is estimated at $200–400 million, driven primarily by military housing, VA medical centers, and GSA courthouse renovations. Competition is moderate; about 60% of awards go to small businesses. Contracts are typically firm-fixed-price task orders under multiple-award IDIQs (e.g., Army MATOC, GSA PBS) or one-off sealed bids for smaller projects. Demand spikes with military construction (MILCON) appropriations and disaster recovery. Subcontracting to prime holders of large IDIQs is common for smaller framing firms.
These agencies are the largest buyers of framing contractors services and products in the federal government. Each awards contracts under NAICS 238130 regularly — build relationships with their small business offices first.
To win framing contracts, target DoD MATOCs and VA IDIQs that use set-asides for 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB firms. The single highest-leverage move is to form a joint venture with a larger prime holding a $50M+ IDIQ, allowing you to self-perform the framing scope. Also, get listed as a subcontractor on GSA Schedule 03FAC (Facilities Maintenance and Repair) to receive RFQs directly. Emphasize past performance on federal framing projects, not commercial work.
Most framing contracts are awarded via LPTA (lowest price technically acceptable) for simple wood or metal framing, and best-value tradeoff for complex structural steel. Common vehicles include GSA Schedule 03FAC, Army MATOC (e.g., W912DY), NAVFAC IDIQs, and VA's SDVOSB set-aside IDIQs. Evaluation basis: past performance, safety record, and price.
Yes, most federal framing contracts require state-level contractor licensing where the work is performed. Many agencies also require proof of OSHA 30-hour training and a Drug-Free Workplace certification.
For prime contracts over $150,000, Miller Act bonds are required. Typical bond levels range from $500K to $5M for framing-specific task orders. Small businesses can use SBA's Surety Bond Guarantee program to obtain bonds without collateral.
8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, and WOSB certifications are highly valued. Many DoD and VA framing projects are set aside for these groups. Certification in Lead-Safe Renovation (EPA RRP) is also beneficial for older building renovations.
Competition is moderate. Typical awards have 3–5 bidders for set-aside contracts and 5–10 for unrestricted. The small business size standard of $19M limits large primes, so small framing specialists have a fair chance.
Task orders range from $100K to $5M, with the median around $750K. Large MILCON projects may have framing subcontracts up to $10M. Most awards are firm-fixed-price with a performance period of 6–18 months.