Glass & Glazing Contractor Government Contracts Guide 2025
Complete guide for glass and glazing contractors bidding on government projects. Learn about curtain wall systems, storefront glazing, compliance requirements, and strategies to win public sector contracts.
Glass & Glazing Government Market
Government Glazing Market
Market Size:
$6B+
Annual public sector
Typical Project %:
5-15%
Of building cost
Specialty:
High Value
Technical expertise
Glass and glazing work on government projects requires specialized expertise in performance specifications, security requirements, and energy efficiency. From courthouses requiring blast-resistant glazing to schools needing impact-resistant systems, public sector work offers diverse opportunities for qualified glazing contractors.
Exterior Systems
- • Curtain wall systems
- • Storefront systems
- • Window wall
- • Skylights and overhead glazing
Interior & Specialty
- • Interior glass partitions
- • Security glazing
- • Fire-rated assemblies
- • Entrance systems
Common Government Glazing Projects
Federal Buildings & Courthouses
GSA buildings, federal courthouses, agency headquarters.
- • Blast-resistant glazing requirements
- • Security film and laminated glass
- • High-performance thermal systems
- • GSA P100 specifications
Educational Facilities
K-12 schools, universities, community colleges.
- • Impact-resistant glazing (hurricane zones)
- • Security glazing for forced entry protection
- • Energy code compliance
- • Daylighting requirements
Healthcare Facilities
Hospitals, VA medical centers, clinics.
- • Radiation shielding glass
- • Fire-rated assemblies
- • Infection control considerations
- • Patient safety glazing
Transportation Facilities
Airports, transit stations, terminals.
- • Large-scale curtain wall
- • Point-supported glass
- • Cable-net walls
- • High-traffic entrance systems
Estimating Best Practices
Material Takeoff
• Glass types and sizes
• Aluminum framing systems
• Anchors and attachments
• Sealants and gaskets
• Hardware and operators
• Flashing and trim
Labor Considerations
- • Shop fabrication hours
- • Field installation hours
- • Glazing labor (separate from framing)
- • Scaffold and lift requirements
Special Requirements
- • Performance testing (air, water, structural)
- • Mock-up requirements
- • Shop drawings and engineering
- • Project-specific testing
| Requirement | Standard | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Blast Resistance | GSA/ISC criteria | Federal buildings |
| Forced Entry | ASTM F1233 | Schools, secure facilities |
| Hurricane Impact | Miami-Dade/FL Building Code | Coastal construction |
| Fire-Rated | UL 10B/10C, NFPA 80 | Fire separations |
| Energy | ASHRAE 90.1, IECC | All commercial |
Compliance Requirements
Buy American Act
Federal projects require domestic glass and aluminum. BABA (Build America Buy America) has expanded requirements.
Energy Code Compliance
U-factor, SHGC, and VT requirements per ASHRAE 90.1 or applicable energy code. Document compliance for each lite type.
Safety Glazing
CPSC 16 CFR 1201 and ANSI Z97.1 requirements for hazardous locations. Document tempered, laminated, or safety film.
Structural Engineering
PE-stamped engineering for curtain wall and structural glazing. Wind load analysis and anchor design.
- Non-compliant glass origin (Buy American violations)
- Missed safety glazing at hazardous locations
- Energy values not meeting spec requirements
- Inadequate structural capacity at anchors
Helpful Certifications
GANA/NGA Membership
Glass Association of North America membership demonstrates industry commitment.
AAMA Certification
American Architectural Manufacturers Association certifications for fenestration products.
MBE/WBE/DBE
Small business certifications provide advantages on government work.
Manufacturer Certifications
Authorized installer status from major system manufacturers.
Finding Glazing Opportunities
General Contractor Bid Requests
Most glazing is subcontracted. Get on GC bid lists.
Plan Rooms & Services
BidFinds, ConstructConnect, iSqFt for project leads.
GSA Schedule
GSA MAS schedule for federal work.
BidFinds
Aggregates glazing opportunities from government sources.
Winning Tips for Glazing Contractors
Specialize in Government Requirements
Develop expertise in blast-resistant, security, and federal specifications.
Build Strong Shop Drawing Team
Government projects require detailed submittals. Invest in quality drafting.
Verify Buy American Compliance
Confirm domestic content for glass and aluminum before bidding.
Maintain Quality Control
Government inspectors are thorough. Have strong QC programs.
- Security clearance capability for classified facilities
- Blast-resistant glazing experience
- In-house engineering capabilities
- Domestic manufacturing relationships
- Strong safety record and OSHA compliance
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