Musical instrument repair, watch repair, and miscellaneous maintenance for government programs. Find active federal and state other personal and household goods repair and maintenance contracts — AI-scored against your profile across SAM.gov and 200+ portals.
Annual federal spend under NAICS 811490 is modest, estimated at $50–80 million, with most contracts awarded by military bands (e.g., Army, Navy, Air Force bands) for musical instrument repair, and by the VA for medical device maintenance not covered under other codes. Competition is moderate; many awards are sole-source or limited competition due to specialized skills. Contracts are typically firm-fixed-price, often issued as single purchase orders or blanket purchase agreements (BPAs) rather than large IDIQs. Demand is driven by equipment lifecycle needs, budget cycles, and occasional emergency repairs. Set-asides for small businesses, including 8(a) and SDVOSB, are common, especially for VA and military band contracts.
These agencies are the largest buyers of other personal and household goods repair and maintenance services and products in the federal government. Each awards contracts under NAICS 811490 regularly — build relationships with their small business offices first.
To win 811490 contracts, focus on niche expertise: e.g., musical instrument repair for military bands or specialized medical device maintenance for the VA. The buying pattern favors local or regional vendors with quick turnaround, so emphasize proximity to military bases or VA facilities. Most awards use small business set-asides, with 8(a) and HUBZone preferences common. The single highest-leverage move is to obtain a GSA Schedule 81 (or similar) for instrument repair, or register in the VA's VetBiz database for medical device work, then actively bid on FBO.gov and GSA eBuy opportunities. Past performance with similar agencies is critical.
Work is typically awarded via LPTA (lowest price technically acceptable) for standard repairs, but best-value tradeoffs for complex instruments or devices. Common vehicles include GSA Schedule 81 (Instrument Repair), VA's Strategic Acquisition Center BPAs, and agency-specific IDIQs. Evaluation emphasizes past performance, technical capability, and price. Set-asides are frequent.
No federal license is required, but you must meet military band standards for instrument repair quality. Some contracts may require certification from the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians (NAPBIRT) or equivalent experience.
Most 811490 contracts under $150,000 do not require performance or payment bonds. For larger awards, the Miller Act may apply, requiring bonds for contracts over $150,000. Check individual solicitations.
Yes, the 8(a) program is actively used for 811490 contracts, especially by the VA and military bands. It can provide sole-source awards up to $7 million for manufacturing (but repair services may have lower thresholds).
VA contracts for medical device repair under 811490 are moderately competitive, with typically 3–5 bidders per solicitation. SDVOSB set-asides reduce competition further. Past performance and technical expertise are key discriminators.
Most awards are under $250,000, often in the $25,000–$100,000 range for single repair jobs or annual BPAs. Large IDIQ contracts are rare; expect frequent small purchases rather than multi-million dollar deals.