Investigation, background check, and security clearance support services for government agencies. Find active federal and state investigation services contracts — AI-scored against your profile across SAM.gov and 200+ portals.
Annual federal spend under NAICS 561611 exceeds $3 billion, driven by mandatory background investigations for national security positions and ongoing vetting. The market is highly competitive with over 1,500 active contractors, but dominated by a few large primes. Contracts are predominantly IDIQs and BPAs with guaranteed minimums, awarded via LPTA for standard checks and best-value for complex investigations. Demand is fueled by clearance backlogs, continuous vetting mandates, and agency-specific needs (e.g., DHS suitability, DoD adjudications).
These agencies are the largest buyers of investigation services services and products in the federal government. Each awards contracts under NAICS 561611 regularly — build relationships with their small business offices first.
Focus on building a track record in a specific niche (e.g., OPM NBIB reinvestigations or DHS suitability). The highest-leverage move is to pursue an 8(a) or SDVOSB set-aside on a small IDIQ ($10M-$50M ceiling) to establish past performance. Most agencies use LPTA for routine work, so pricing and throughput capacity are critical. Offer a surge capability for high-volume periods. Avoid competing for large, unrestricted contracts without relevant prime experience.
Most work is awarded via agency-specific IDIQs (e.g., OPM's Background Investigation Services BPA, DHS's EAGLE II, DoD's DCSA IDIQ) or GSA Schedule 84 (Security and Protection). Evaluation is LPTA for standard investigations, best-value for complex cases. Small businesses compete on 8(a) STARS III and GSA Alliant 2 SB.
Yes, most prime contracts require at least a Secret FCL. For subcontractors, a Top Secret clearance may be needed if handling adjudicative data. Start the clearance process early (6-12 months) through the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA).
Investigators must meet OPM/NBIB training standards (e.g., 16-week course) and pass a background check. No universal certification, but some agencies require Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or Professional Investigator (PI) license for specific roles.
Small business set-asides often range from $5M to $50M in total contract value, with task orders averaging $500K-$2M. IDIQs typically have 3-5 year base periods plus options.
Yes, many large primes (e.g., CACI, Peraton, Amentum) seek subcontractors for field investigative work. Register in their supplier portals and highlight geographic coverage and clearance levels.
Bonds are rarely required for services-only contracts, but some agencies may require a performance bond for contracts over $150K. Check individual solicitations; bid bonds are uncommon.