Cold storage and refrigerated warehousing for government food programs and pharmaceutical supply. Find active federal and state refrigerated warehousing and storage contracts — AI-scored against your profile across SAM.gov and 200+ portals.
Annual federal spend for NAICS 493120 is estimated at $200–$300 million, driven primarily by USDA food distribution programs (e.g., TEFAP, CSFP), DoD subsistence supply, and VA pharmaceutical storage. Competition is moderate; contracts are often multi-award IDIQs or BPAs with fixed-price per pallet/month rates. Demand spikes during emergencies (FEMA disaster relief) and seasonal food distribution cycles. The market is concentrated among a few large incumbents, but small businesses can win through set-aside pools and regional specialization.
These agencies are the largest buyers of refrigerated warehousing and storage services and products in the federal government. Each awards contracts under NAICS 493120 regularly — build relationships with their small business offices first.
To win, target USDA AMS and DLA Troop Support subsistence solicitations, which frequently use total small-business set-asides. The single highest-leverage move is to obtain a GSA Schedule 73 (Food Service, Hospitality, and Cleaning Equipment and Supplies) or 75 (Office Products/Supplies and Services) with a refrigerated storage subcategory, as many RFQs are issued against these schedules. Also, pursue USDA-specific certifications like HACCP and organic handling to differentiate. Bid on regional IDIQs rather than national ones to reduce competition.
Contracts are typically LPTA for standardized storage services, best-value for complex pharma or multi-temperature requirements. Common vehicles include GSA Schedule 73, DLA Troop Support Subsistence IDIQs, USDA AMS BPAs, and 8(a) STARS III for set-aside work. Evaluation focuses on past performance, facility certifications (HACCP, organic), and price per pallet/month.
USDA requires compliance with the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) sanitation standards and often HACCP certification. For organic commodities, handlers must be USDA Organic certified. Specific contract clauses may also require adherence to the USDA Commodity Requirements for storage facilities.
Yes, many federal contracts for refrigerated warehousing require a performance bond, especially for fixed-price contracts over $150,000. Bid bonds may be required for solicitations over $35,000. Check the specific solicitation for bond requirements.
Competition is moderate. Many contracts are set aside for small businesses, but the market has a few large players. Small businesses can succeed by focusing on regional contracts, obtaining relevant certifications (e.g., HACCP, organic), and leveraging GSA schedules.
Award sizes vary widely: small BPAs can be $50,000–$500,000 annually, while large IDIQs for USDA or DLA can range from $5 million to $50 million over 5 years. Most awards are for 1–5 year periods with optional extensions.
Yes, subcontracting is common. Small businesses often serve as subcontractors to larger primes on DLA or USDA contracts. Register as a subcontractor in SBA's Subcontracting Network (SUB-Net) and target primes with small business subcontracting plans.