Federal Laboratory Support Contracts: Guide to National Lab Opportunities
Learn how to win federal laboratory support contracts. Understand DOE labs, NIH facilities, research support, and scientific services contracting opportunities.
Quick Answer: What Are Federal Laboratory Support Contracts?
Federal laboratories conduct cutting-edge research in energy, health, defense, and other areas. These facilities need contractors for scientific support, facility operations, technical services, and administrative functions. DOE national labs, NIH research centers, and DoD laboratories represent major contracting opportunities.
Market Overview
Federal laboratories are major research and development centers performing critical scientific work. The government operates hundreds of laboratories through direct management or contractor operation, creating extensive contracting opportunities.
Laboratory support encompasses everything from pure research services to facility management, IT support, and administrative functions. The specialized nature of laboratory work often requires contractors with unique technical qualifications.
Laboratory Support Segments
- →Research and technical support
- →Laboratory operations
- →Scientific equipment maintenance
- →Environmental health and safety
- →Facility management
- →IT and computing services
- →Security services
- →Administrative support
Major Federal Labs
The federal laboratory system includes diverse facilities across multiple agencies.
DOE National Laboratories
17 national laboratories conducting energy, nuclear, and basic science research, typically managed by contractors.
- ✓Los Alamos, Sandia, Lawrence Livermore
- ✓Argonne, Oak Ridge, Brookhaven
- ✓Pacific Northwest, Idaho, NREL
NIH Intramural Research
NIH operates extensive research facilities in Bethesda and other locations requiring support contractors.
- ✓Clinical Center
- ✓Frederick National Laboratory
- ✓Institute research facilities
Other Federal Laboratory Systems
- →DoD: Army, Navy, Air Force research laboratories
- →NASA: Research centers (Ames, Langley, Glenn)
- →USDA: Agricultural research facilities
- →NOAA: Environmental research laboratories
Service Categories
Laboratory Support Services
Technical assistance, data analysis, scientific documentation
Equipment operation, sample processing, quality assurance
Calibration, maintenance, repair of scientific instruments
Building operations, utilities, specialized facility systems
High-performance computing, scientific data management
Contract Types
M&O Contracts
Management and Operating contracts for running entire national laboratories, typically awarded to large organizations.
- ✓Full laboratory management
- ✓Multi-billion dollar scope
- ✓Long-term relationships
Support Service Contracts
Contracts for specific support functions within laboratories, more accessible to diverse contractors.
- ✓Specific scope areas
- ✓Small business opportunities
- ✓Technical and administrative
Qualifications Required
Common Requirements
- →Scientific and technical expertise relevant to lab mission
- →Security clearances (often Q or L for DOE)
- →Quality management certifications
- →Environmental health and safety compliance
- →Experience with specialized laboratory equipment
Finding Opportunities
Opportunity Sources
- →SAM.gov: All federal laboratory solicitations
- →DOE procurement: National laboratory opportunities
- →NIH OAMP: NIH acquisition opportunities
- →Individual lab websites: Lab-specific procurements
Winning Strategies
Develop Scientific Expertise
Laboratory work requires understanding of scientific research processes. Staff with relevant scientific backgrounds and laboratory experience are essential. Partner with universities or research institutions if needed.
Obtain DOE Clearances
DOE laboratories often require Q or L clearances. Investing in facility clearances and maintaining cleared personnel positions you for nuclear and sensitive research work.
Subcontract with M&O Operators
M&O contractors managing national laboratories need subcontractors for specialized services. Building relationships with M&O operators provides access to laboratory work without competing for massive prime contracts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can small businesses compete for lab support contracts?
Yes. While M&O contracts go to large organizations, support service contracts have small business set-asides. M&O contractors also have small business subcontracting requirements.
What clearances are needed for DOE labs?
DOE uses Q (Top Secret equivalent) and L (Secret equivalent) clearances. Requirements vary by facility and work scope. Some positions require only public trust, while others need full Q clearances.
How do I work at a national laboratory?
Start by identifying laboratories aligned with your capabilities. Contact the M&O contractor's small business office. Pursue direct opportunities through SAM.gov. Consider subcontracting to build laboratory experience.
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