Operating merchandise warehousing and storage facilities. Find active federal and state general warehousing and storage contracts — AI-scored against your profile across SAM.gov and 200+ portals.
Annual federal spend for NAICS 493110 exceeds $2 billion, driven largely by DoD logistics (e.g., DLA Distribution), FEMA disaster relief warehousing, and GSA's strategic stockpile. Contracts are typically multi-year IDIQs or BPAs with fixed-price or cost-reimbursement line items. Demand spikes during emergencies (hurricanes, pandemics) but base loads remain steady for military equipment, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid. Competition is moderate; large incumbents (e.g., XPO, NFI) dominate, but small businesses win via set-asides.
These agencies are the largest buyers of general warehousing and storage services and products in the federal government. Each awards contracts under NAICS 493110 regularly — build relationships with their small business offices first.
Win by targeting FEMA's disaster response IDIQs or DLA's Distribution BPA, which prioritize surge capacity and geographic coverage. The most common set-aside is 8(a) for warehousing services, followed by HUBZone and SDVOSB. The single highest-leverage move: obtain a GSA Schedule 48 (Transportation, Logistics & Warehousing) to qualify for GSA's strategic sourcing. Also, register in FEMA's System for Award Management (SAM) with NAICS 493110 and secure a warehouse within 50 miles of a major military base or FEMA distribution center.
Most warehousing work is awarded via LPTA (lowest price technically acceptable) due to commoditized storage. Common vehicles: GSA Schedule 48 (Transportation, Logistics & Warehousing), DLA Distribution IDIQs, FEMA BPAs, and 8(a) STARS III for IT-related warehousing. Best-value evaluations occur for complex logistics (e.g., cold chain, hazmat).
No universal license, but you may need a TSA security clearance for DoD contracts (e.g., DLA Distribution) and a DUNS number. For hazardous materials, OSHA HAZWOPER certification is required. FEMA often requires a Certificate of Insurance (warehouse legal liability) and compliance with FDA Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) if storing medical supplies.
Bonds are uncommon for warehousing IDIQs under $150K, but for larger contracts (especially DoD), a performance and payment bond may be required under the Miller Act. FEMA's disaster contracts sometimes require a bid bond or letter of credit. Check each solicitation's FAR clause 52.228-15.
8(a) certification is most valuable for warehousing, as many contracts are sole-source or limited to 8(a) firms. HUBZone and SDVOSB certifications also open doors. For GSA Schedule 48, small business status alone suffices, but 8(a) expedites awards.
Moderately competitive; about 40% of federal warehousing dollars go to small businesses via set-asides. However, large incumbents win most unrestricted contracts. Small businesses succeed by targeting agency-specific IDIQs (e.g., DLA's $15M ceiling) and partnering with primes on large bids.
IDIQ contracts range from $500K to $50M, with task orders averaging $250K–$2M. FEMA's disaster BPAs often have $5M–$20M ceilings. DoD's DLA Distribution awards multi-year contracts worth $10M–$100M. Small businesses usually win orders under $5M.