Installing electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures in buildings and other structures. Find active federal and state electrical contractors contracts — AI-scored against your profile across SAM.gov and 200+ portals.
Annual federal spend on electrical contracting (NAICS 238210) is estimated at $1.5–2 billion, driven by facility maintenance, renovation, and new construction for DoD, GSA, VA, and Army Corps. Contracts are predominantly firm-fixed-price, awarded via competitive IDIQs or one-off projects. Demand spikes with military base realignments, VA hospital upgrades, and federal building modernizations. The market is highly competitive, with many regional players; small businesses win roughly 40% of set-aside dollars. Task orders under IDIQs often range from $50K–$5M, with occasional large projects over $10M.
These agencies are the largest buyers of electrical contractors services and products in the federal government. Each awards contracts under NAICS 238210 regularly — build relationships with their small business offices first.
Focus on past performance with federal agencies, especially DoD or VA. Most electrical contracts are set aside for 8(a), SDVOSB, or HUBZone firms. The highest-leverage move is to get on GSA Schedule 238210 (SIN 238210) or a relevant agency IDIQ (e.g., Army Corps MATOC). Bid aggressively on small task orders to build a track record; agencies often use LPTA for simpler work, so price matters. Partner with a prime on larger projects to gain experience.
Most electrical work is bought via LPTA for smaller, routine jobs and best-value tradeoff for complex projects. Common vehicles include GSA Schedule 238210 (SIN 238210), SEWP V (for IT-related electrical), 8(a) STARS III (for construction-related services), and agency-specific IDIQs like Army Corps MATOCs or VA BOSC. Evaluation typically emphasizes past performance, price, and safety record.
You need a valid state electrical contractor license (e.g., master electrician) in the state where work is performed. Federal contracts also require registration in SAM.gov and may require OSHA 30-hour safety training for on-site personnel.
For contracts over $150,000, the Miller Act requires performance and payment bonds equal to 100% of the contract value. Many agencies also require bid bonds. Small businesses can use the SBA Surety Bond Guarantee program to obtain bonds more easily.
Very competitive. There are thousands of small electrical contractors, but set-asides (8(a), SDVOSB, HUBZone, WOSB) reduce competition. Winning often depends on past performance and price; for LPTA awards, the lowest compliant bidder typically wins.
Task orders under IDIQs average $500K–$2M, but standalone contracts can be as low as $25K for small repairs or over $10M for major installations. The median award is around $1M.
Yes, but the prime contractor must self-perform at least 15% of the work (for construction contracts over $150K). Subcontracting electrical work is common, but you need to be listed in the prime's subcontracting plan.