Registered apprenticeship programs and skilled trades training under DOL contracts. Find active federal and state apprenticeship training contracts — AI-scored against your profile across SAM.gov and 200+ portals.
Annual federal spend under NAICS 611513 is estimated at $200–300 million, primarily through DOL's Office of Apprenticeship and DoD's SkillBridge program. Contracts are typically competed as small business set-asides under FAR Part 19, with many awards structured as single-award IDIQs or BPAs at the regional level. Demand is driven by workforce development initiatives like the ApprenticeshipUSA expansion and veteran training mandates. Competition is moderate, with 8(a) and HUBZone firms often winning awards under $10 million.
These agencies are the largest buyers of apprenticeship training services and products in the federal government. Each awards contracts under NAICS 611513 regularly — build relationships with their small business offices first.
To win, pursue DOL's ApprenticeshipUSA grants (non-IDIQ) and DoD's SkillBridge IDIQs. Most contracts are set aside for small businesses, with 8(a) and WOSB preferences common. The single highest-leverage move is to partner with a registered apprenticeship sponsor (e.g., a union or trade association) to demonstrate existing infrastructure and placement rates. Avoid generic proposals; emphasize your DOL registration, past performance with DOL-funded programs, and ability to manage on-the-job training hours.
Work is bought via DOL grants (CFDA 17.268), DoD SkillBridge IDIQs, and GSA Schedule 738X (Training Services). Evaluations are LPTA for grants, best-value for IDIQs. Key factors: past performance, instructor qualifications, and placement rates. 8(a) STARS III and HUBZone IDIQs are also used for set-aside awards.
Yes. Most solicitations require the offeror to be a DOL-registered apprenticeship sponsor or have a partnership with one. Proof of registration in the ApprenticeshipUSA database is typically mandatory.
Bonding is rarely required for training-only contracts under $150,000. For larger awards, performance bonds may be requested, but many DOL grants waive them. Check each solicitation.
Yes. Instructors must typically hold industry-recognized credentials (e.g., NCCER, AWS, or OSHA certifications) and meet state-specific requirements. Proposals should list certified trainers and their qualifications.
Moderately competitive. For DOL grants, 20–40 offers per award is common. For DoD SkillBridge IDIQs, fewer than 10 firms typically bid. Small businesses with past performance in similar programs have a clear advantage.
Most awards range from $500,000 to $5 million over 1–3 years. DOL grants average $1.5 million; DoD contracts average $3 million. Very few exceed $10 million.