Federal Real Property Contracts: Complete Guide to Government Facility Services

Quick Answer: How Do I Win Federal Real Property Contracts?

The federal government manages over 275,000 buildings, creating substantial opportunities in facility management, maintenance, janitorial, and property services. GSA's Public Buildings Service is the primary buyer, but agencies also procure directly. Success requires relevant experience, proper bonding, and often OSHA and environmental compliance certifications.

275K+

Federal Buildings

GSA PBS

Key Buyer

8(a)

Set-Asides

Regional

Opportunities

Market Overview

The federal government is one of the world's largest real property owners and managers. With over 275,000 buildings and structures and billions of square feet of space, the government needs contractors for every aspect of facility operations.

Federal real property spending includes building operations, maintenance and repair, janitorial and grounds services, utilities management, space alterations, and lease administration. This creates ongoing, stable opportunities for qualified contractors.

Market Segments

→Building operations and maintenance
→Janitorial and custodial services
→Grounds and landscaping
→Security and access control

→HVAC and mechanical systems
→Elevator maintenance
→Property management
→Space planning and alterations

Key Buyers

While GSA is the primary real property manager, other agencies control significant facility portfolios.

GSA Public Buildings Service

PBS manages over 8,600 assets for civilian agencies, including iconic federal buildings, courthouses, and land ports of entry.

✓Building operations
✓Lease administration
✓Construction management

Department of Defense

DoD maintains the largest real property portfolio with military installations worldwide.

✓Installation support
✓Base operating services
✓Housing management

Other Major Property Holders

→VA: Medical centers and regional offices
→USPS: Post offices and distribution centers
→DOE: National laboratories and facilities
→Interior: Parks and federal lands facilities

Service Categories

Federal real property services span a wide range of specialties.

Common Service Categories

Facility Management

Comprehensive operations and maintenance of buildings

Janitorial Services

Cleaning, sanitation, and hygiene services

Grounds Maintenance

Landscaping, snow removal, and exterior maintenance

Mechanical Systems

HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection maintenance

Energy Management

Utility optimization and sustainability services

Contract Vehicles

Real property services flow through various GSA and agency-specific vehicles.

GSA Vehicles

✓MAS Facilities Category
✓One Acquisition Solution (OASIS)
✓Regional BPAs
✓PBS regional contracts

Agency Vehicles

✓DoD regional contracts
✓VA facility support contracts
✓Agency-specific BPAs
✓Installation support contracts

Qualifications Required

Real property contracts require specific qualifications and compliance capabilities.

Common Requirements

→State licensing for applicable trades
→Bonding and insurance capacity
→OSHA safety compliance programs
→Environmental compliance (asbestos, lead)
→Background investigation capability
→Quality management systems

Service Contract Act

Most real property service contracts are subject to the Service Contract Act, requiring payment of prevailing wages. Understanding wage determinations and compliance requirements is essential for accurate pricing and contract performance.

Finding Opportunities

Opportunity Sources

→SAM.gov: All federal facility service solicitations
→GSA eBuy: RFQs for Schedule holders
→GSA regional offices: Local PBS opportunities
→Installation websites: DoD base contract opportunities

Winning Strategies

Build Regional Presence

Real property contracts are regional. Establish operations near target federal facilities. Local presence demonstrates responsiveness and reduces mobilization costs. Regional contractors often have advantages over national firms.

Develop Specialty Expertise

Historic building maintenance, energy management, and sustainable operations are growing areas. Specialized expertise differentiates you from general facility contractors and commands premium positioning.

Pursue Small Business Set-Asides

Real property services have significant small business set-asides, particularly for 8(a) and HUBZone firms. Many facility contracts are restricted to small businesses, creating accessible entry points.

Demonstrate Compliance Capability

Environmental compliance, safety programs, and Service Contract Act experience matter. Document your compliance track record and training programs. Government facilities have heightened regulatory requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can small businesses compete for facility contracts?

Yes. Real property services have extensive small business participation. Many contracts are set aside for small businesses, and even large facilities often have bundled requirements broken into small business pieces.

What bonding is typically required?

Requirements vary by contract size and type. Service contracts may require fidelity bonds. Construction-related work requires Miller Act performance and payment bonds. Ensure adequate bonding capacity before bidding.

How long do facility contracts last?

Base periods typically range from one to five years with multiple option periods. Total contract periods of ten years or more are common for building operations and maintenance services.

Do I need security clearances?

Some facilities require personnel with security clearances, particularly courthouses and federal law enforcement buildings. Many facility contracts require only background checks rather than full security clearances.

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