Paging and messaging services for government personnel and emergency responders. Find active federal and state paging contracts — AI-scored against your profile across SAM.gov and 200+ portals.
Annual federal spend for paging services under NAICS 517211 is estimated at $100–200 million, driven by mission-critical one-way and two-way messaging for emergency responders, hospital staff, and security personnel. The market is moderately concentrated, with a few large carriers (e.g., Spok, American Messaging) holding significant share, but small businesses compete via set-asides. Contracts are typically structured as agency-specific IDIQs or BPAs with 1–5 year terms, often including equipment and software. Demand is sustained by legacy pager use in hospitals and by first responders who require reliable, low-latency communication independent of cellular networks.
These agencies are the largest buyers of paging services and products in the federal government. Each awards contracts under NAICS 517211 regularly — build relationships with their small business offices first.
To win paging contracts, target state and local emergency services and VA hospitals via GSA Schedule 70 (Special Item Number 132-51). Most opportunities are set aside for small businesses under FAR Part 19, often as total or partial set-asides. The highest-leverage move is to obtain a GSA Schedule contract for paging services and hardware, then pursue BPA calls under existing agency IDIQs. Partner with a paging infrastructure provider to offer end-to-end solutions, and highlight reliability, coverage, and integration with legacy systems.
Paging services are typically bought via GSA Schedule 70 (SIN 132-51) for wireless communication services. Agencies also use their own IDIQs (e.g., VA's T4NG, DHS Eagle II) and small business set-asides under 8(a) STARS III. Evaluations are often LPTA with technical pass/fail for coverage and response time, but best-value tradeoffs occur when integration services are included. Past performance and reliability are critical.
Yes, you must have an FCC license for the spectrum used (e.g., 900 MHz paging frequencies) or partner with a licensee. For federal contracts, you also need registration in SAM and a CAGE code.
Most paging contracts under $150,000 do not require bonds. Larger IDIQs may require performance and payment bonds, especially if they include equipment installation. Check individual solicitations.
Yes, ISO 9001 for quality management is often requested. For VA contracts, having a VETS-verified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification can be decisive. Also, TSA suitability for personnel handling sensitive communications may be required.
Competition varies. Small business set-asides typically have 3-5 bidders. Full-and-open contracts attract major carriers. The key differentiator is coverage reliability and integration with existing agency systems (e.g., nurse call systems, CAD).
Agency-specific BPAs often range from $500,000 to $5 million over 5 years. Individual task orders may be $50,000 to $500,000. Large multi-agency vehicles like the GSA Schedule can have higher ceilings, but actual spend per contractor is typically under $2 million annually.