Housing counseling, tenant advocacy, and supportive housing services for government programs. Find active federal and state other community housing services contracts — AI-scored against your profile across SAM.gov and 200+ portals.
Annual federal spend under NAICS 624229 is estimated at $200–300 million, driven primarily by HUD's Housing Counseling Program and VA's Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF). Contracts are predominantly competitive, fixed-price, and structured as single-award or multi-award IDIQs with task orders. Demand spikes during housing crises and policy shifts (e.g., eviction moratoriums). Most work is performed locally, but national counseling networks also compete. The market is moderately fragmented, with many small nonprofits and a few large for-profit firms.
These agencies are the largest buyers of other community housing services services and products in the federal government. Each awards contracts under NAICS 624229 regularly — build relationships with their small business offices first.
Win by targeting HUD's Housing Counseling Program (HUD-1B) or VA's SSVF grants, which are often set aside for nonprofits and small businesses. The highest-leverage move is to obtain HUD Housing Counseling Agency certification, which is a prerequisite for most HUD-funded contracts. Also, leverage 8(a) or HUBZone status for sole-source opportunities under $4 million (for 8(a)) or $7 million (for HUBZone). Partner with local housing authorities for credibility.
Work is typically awarded through direct grants (HUD, VA) or competitive IDIQs. Best-value tradeoff is common, emphasizing past performance and technical approach over price. GSA Schedule 541 is used for broader consulting, but not for direct counseling. 8(a) STARS III is less common; agency-specific vehicles like HUD's Housing Counseling IDIQ are more relevant.
You need HUD Housing Counseling Agency certification, which requires staff to pass the HUD Housing Counseling Certification Exam. The agency must also comply with HUD's standards and undergo periodic reviews.
Bonding is rarely required for service-based housing counseling contracts. However, if the contract involves construction or renovation (e.g., supportive housing), Miller Act bonds may be needed for projects over $150,000.
VA's SSVF grants typically range from $500,000 to $5 million annually, with most awards between $1–3 million. They are competitive and require matching funds.
Yes, HUD does not restrict housing counseling to nonprofits. However, for-profits must still meet HUD certification requirements and often face competition from established nonprofits with local ties.
The most common are HUD's Housing Counseling Grant Program (direct grants) and VA's SSVF cooperative agreements. For other agencies, GSA Schedule 541 (Professional Services) is sometimes used, but most work is awarded via open competition under agency-specific IDIQs.