Supplying workers to client organizations for limited periods to supplement the workforce. Find active federal and state temporary help services contracts — AI-scored against your profile across SAM.gov and 200+ portals.
The federal government spends approximately $2-3 billion annually on temporary help services under NAICS 561320, with the Department of Defense, Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Veterans Affairs as top buyers. Contracts are predominantly structured as indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) or blanket purchase agreements (BPA) against GSA Schedule 738 X (Temporary Administrative and Professional Staffing). Demand is driven by seasonal workload spikes, special projects, and workforce gaps. Competition is intense, with hundreds of small businesses vying for task orders. Most awards are made on a best-value basis, emphasizing past performance and staffing capability over price.
These agencies are the largest buyers of temporary help services services and products in the federal government. Each awards contracts under NAICS 561320 regularly — build relationships with their small business offices first.
To win in NAICS 561320, focus on securing a GSA Schedule 738 X contract, which is the primary vehicle for federal temporary help. Most opportunities are set aside for small businesses, including 8(a), HUBZone, and SDVOSB. The highest-leverage move is to build a strong past performance record with federal agencies through subcontracting or direct small orders. Develop a robust candidate pool and demonstrate rapid response times in proposals. Tailor your capability statement to specific agency mission needs, not generic staffing.
Temporary help is primarily bought via GSA Schedule 738 X (Temporary Administrative and Professional Staffing). Agencies also use 8(a) STARS III for IT temp staffing, and agency-specific IDIQs (e.g., DOD’s T4NG). Evaluations are typically best-value, with past performance and staffing capability weighted heavily. LPTA is used for simple, low-risk orders.
No specific federal license is required, but you must register in SAM.gov and obtain a DUNS number. For GSA Schedule 738 X, you need to meet the $34 million size standard and demonstrate two years of relevant experience. Certifications like 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB can provide set-aside advantages.
Most are awarded as task orders under IDIQ contracts or BPAs. Agencies issue RFQs against GSA Schedule 738 X, evaluating past performance, staffing capability, and price. Best-value tradeoff is common, but LPTA is used for lower-risk, well-defined requirements.
Task orders range widely from $50,000 to $10 million, but the median is around $500,000. Many orders are for short-term staffing (3-12 months) with options to extend. Large IDIQ contracts can have ceilings up to $100 million over five years.
Bonding is rarely required for temporary help services because contracts are service-based with no construction. However, some large IDIQ contracts may require performance bonds if the contract includes a significant deliverable or fixed-price component.
Extremely competitive. Thousands of small businesses hold GSA Schedule 738 X contracts. To stand out, specialize in a niche (e.g., medical staffing, IT temp help) and build agency-specific past performance. Set-aside contracts (8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB) reduce competition but still require differentiation.