Tag: government contractor jobs

Government Contractor Jobs: 7 Industries in High Demand

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While defense and aerospace contracts often receive the most attention, government contractor jobs can be found across many industries. From construction and healthcare to information technology and disaster response, federal agencies depend on contractors to provide a wide variety of products and services. Let’s explore some of the industries that are consistently in demand.

 

  1. Information Technology & Cybersecurity

All federal agencies will need some level of IT support, and if you can provide services such as network administration, cloud migration, cybersecurity monitoring, software development, or help desk support, you may find many government contracting opportunities are available.  Additionally, the government also purchases hardware, such as monitors, laptops, and desktops, from the private sector.

 

  1. Construction & Infrastructure

While contractors with large-scale construction experience are needed, the government also will create contracts to hire general contractors, electricians, plumbers, site preparation crews, and more. These government contracting jobs range from building and repairing roads to providing repairs at federal facilities to providing utility upgrades.

 

  1. Disaster Recovery & Emergency Response

Natural disasters create an immediate need for goods and services, and federal agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) often issue contracts for disaster relief jobs both before and after disasters occur. FEMA and other agencies might need:

  • Debris removal
  • Temporary housing
  • Logistics support
  • Environmental cleanup
  • Emergency staffing
  • Emergency food/water supplies
  • Security services

 

  1. Healthcare & Medical

Healthcare is one of the largest sectors supported by government contracting. Federal agencies require a wide range of medical professionals, support personnel, and suppliers to help provide care to service members, veterans, federal employees, and other populations. As healthcare needs continue to grow, government contractors often play an important role in supplementing government resources and staffing.

 

Federal agencies frequently contract for:

  • Nurses & physicians
  • Mental health professionals
  • Medical equipment suppliers
  • Administrative healthcare support

 

Opportunities exist with agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs and military healthcare systems.

 

  1. Engineering Services

Engineering expertise is essential for many federal projects, from transportation infrastructure and military facilities to energy systems and environmental initiatives. Government agencies frequently rely on contractors to provide specialized knowledge, technical support, and project oversight. As a result, engineering remains one of the most consistently sought-after fields in government contracting.

 

Government agencies regularly seek:

  • Civil engineers
  • Mechanical engineers
  • Electrical engineers
  • Environmental engineers
  • Project managers

 

Engineering support is needed for infrastructure, military, aerospace, and energy projects.

 

  1. Logistics & Transportation

The federal government depends on complex logistics networks to move personnel, equipment, supplies, and materials where they are needed. Contractors help ensure that operations run smoothly, whether supporting military missions, disaster response efforts, or everyday agency functions.

 

Businesses with transportation and supply chain expertise may find numerous government contracts within this sector. These services are critical for both civilian and defense agencies.

 

Contractors help move people, supplies, and equipment through:

  • Freight transportation
  • Warehousing
  • Fleet management
  • Supply chain coordination
  • Distribution services

 

  1. Professional & Administrative Services

Not all government contractor jobs involve highly technical or specialized work. Federal agencies frequently outsource a variety of professional and administrative functions to help manage programs, improve efficiency, and support daily operations.

 

This broad category creates opportunities for businesses offering management, financial, human resources, and consulting services. This category represents a large portion of federal contractor opportunities.

 

Many contracts involve:

  • Program management
  • Administrative support
  • Human resources
  • Financial management
  • Consulting services

 

As you can see, a wide range of goods and services are needed, and the lists above are just the tip of the iceberg. Federal agencies also often need services such as:

  • Janitorial and facilities maintenance
  • Telecommunications
  • Education and training
  • Scientific research
  • Staffing and workforce solutions
  • Food service & catering
  • Office supplies & furnishings

 

The government also needs a plethora of repair services, including HVAC repairs and maintenance, elevator maintenance, roofing repairs, etc. Again, these are just a few of the contracting opportunities available.

 

Are You a Good Fit for Federal Contracting Jobs?

If you can provide any of the goods or services listed above, you are likely a good fit for many government contracts. However, even if you don’t fall into the aforementioned categories, we encourage you to head to SAM.gov to see if your business offerings are needed.

 

To search SAM.gov, we recommend using your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes, which describe the specific goods or services your company provides. If you are not sure which codes to use, the NAICS guide is available at Census.gov.

 

How To Get Started with Federal Contracting

No matter what type of business you own or which federal agencies you wish to work for, completing your registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) is the first step you need to take. SAM is the central database that includes information about all federal contractors, and you are required to have an active SAM account in order to bid on any federal contracts.

 

At Federal Contractor Registry, we provide fast and accurate SAM registration services for all types and sizes of businesses. Our team will quickly complete your registration so that you are approved by the government as quickly as possible. While you can complete your registration on your own, this is a highly complicated process, and it’s not uncommon for new contractors to make crucial mistakes.

 

Our team can complete your SAM registration (or SAM renewal) as well as help you with other important tasks, such as obtaining your Unique Entity Identifier, or UEI number, and helping you complete the SAM notarized letter requirement. All new contractors must send the Federal Service Desk a notarized letter listing their Entity Administrator, which is the person at your company authorized to make changes to your SAM account.

 

Additionally, if your business qualifies as a small business, we can help you sign up with the Small Business Administration (SBA). The government sets aside a portion of its contracts just for small businesses, but you must register with SBA in order to take advantage of these programs, which are known as small business set asides. We can determine which set-aside best suits your company and help you complete the registration process.

 

Government contractor jobs can be highly lucrative and serve as a great way to grow your business. If you can provide any of the goods and services listed above, you are likely to be a good fit for contracting.  If you are ready to get started and would like us to complete SAM registration, head to our homepage and click on the green New Registration tab.

6 Myths About Government Contractor Jobs – Debunked

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Embarking on a career in government contracting can often seem shrouded in mystery, with many would-be applicants deterred by myths that cloud the reality of this professional path. From notions that every job is about defense and security to misconceptions who can participate, the world of government contracting jobs is rife with misunderstandings. With that said, we’d like to debunk some of the most common myths that prevent many people from considering government contracting.

 

Myth 1 – Most Government Contracts Deal With Defense

While some of the most lucrative government contracts are related to the Department of Defense, DOD contracts are by no means the only options available. There are hundreds of federal government agencies and all of them need goods and services from the private sector.

 

The government buys everything from the private sector. This includes paper and office supplies, furniture, vehicles, repair services, security services, food services and just about anything else you can imagine. Goods and services from almost every imaginable industry are needed, and thousands of contracts are awarded every year.

 

To determine if your goods and services are needed by any federal agency, simply head to Sam.gov and click on the Contract Opportunities tab. We then recommend clicking on the Advanced Search and searching for contacts using your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. If you aren’t sure of your codes, you can find them at Census.gov.

 

Myth 2 – You Must Have Security Clearance

There are some government contractor jobs that do require security clearances, but those are really few and far between. In most cases, security clearances are not an issue, and you can even bid on many contracts with the DOD and not need any level of security clearance.  Security is typically only an issue with contracts for goods such as military crafts, weapons, computer security systems, etc.

 

Myth 3 – Small Businesses Can’t Participate

Many people hear about companies such as Lockheed Martin and Boeing winning massive government contracts, but there is still plenty left over for mid-size and small businesses. In fact, the government sets aside a portion of all government contracting dollars just for small businesses.

 

The Small Business Administration offers several programs for small businesses to help them find success with government contractor jobs. These programs typically are known as “set-asides” because the participants are eligible to bid on specific contracts set aside for certain types of small businesses.

 

For instance, if you are a woman that owns 51% (or more) of a small business, you may qualify for the Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) set aside. If you are a service-disabled veteran that owns 51% of a small business, you may qualify for the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set aside.

 

Other programs include the HUBZone certification program, which is a set-aside for businesses in areas known as Historically Underutilized Business Zones. Another option is the 8(a) Business Development Program, which is designed for small businesses owned by socially and/or economically disadvantaged individuals. Within this set aside, these contracts are sometimes known as 8a contracts.

 

Myth 4 – Marketing Isn’t Needed

In the private sector, marketing and advertising is crucial, but many people mistakenly believe that government contractors don’t need to market to government agencies. This is simply not true.

 

Your first step will be to create a Capability Statement. This is s a document similar to a resume, but the sections are a bit different than what individuals place on a resume or CV. The sections include a section for Corporate Data, Past Performances, Differentiators, Core Competencies and a section for contact information. You can find many examples of good capability statements online.

 

Additionally, we recommend adding a page to your website just for government contracting. This page should contain all of the information you’d place on a capability statement. It’s also smart to attend any networking events or conferences where you might encounter government procurement agents. This can be a great way to learn more about contracting and build your network.

 

Myth 5 – All Government Contracting Jobs Are Federal

Not only will you find thousands of federal contractor jobs, but there are also thousands of jobs available at the state level. Every state government also procures its goods and services from the private sector, so it’s wise to sign up with your state’s procurement system as well as the federal system, which is known as the System for Award Management (SAM).

 

Myth 6 – Government Contracting Is Too Hard

One of the biggest reasons why people don’t consider government contracting jobs is that it seems too difficult. While it’s true that there is a learning curve, there are plenty of helpful resources out there for new government contractors. The SBA offers a plethora of resources for small businesses, and there are private sector companies that can help you learn the basics of bidding on contracts as well as the types of government contracts you might encounter.

 

Additionally, many people worry about completing the first step you have to take in order to bid on government contracting jobs – SAM registration. This can be an extremely complicated and time-consuming process, and it truly does deter many people from becoming a federal contractor.

 

The good news is that we can help! At Federal Contractor Registry, we can quickly and accurately complete your SAM registration. Once approved, you will be eligible to bid on government contracts. We do charge a fee (the government does not charge a fee for SAM registration), but we can save you the headaches and 10-12 hours of time it takes to complete registration on your own.

 

It’s a bit like hiring an accountant to do your taxes. Filing your taxes is free, but the complexities of the tax code and the penalties you incur if you make mistakes are typically enough motivation to hire an expert. SAM registration is much the same. You could do it yourself, but it’s frustrating and complicated, so it makes sense to hire an SAM expert.

 

In addition to completing your SAM registration, our fee includes helping you sign up with the Small Business Administration, including determining which set-asides fit your business. If you are a Super 8(a) business (owned by Native Americans, Alaskan Native Corporations or Native Hawaiian Organizations), we also can introduce you to federal contractors in our system.

 

Additionally, we will help you with tasks such as attaining your Unique Entity Identifier (also known as the UEI number) which is a new requirement of SAM registration. We also can help you with the notarized letter requirement that is part of your initial registration. This letter identifies your Entity Administrator, which is the person at your company authorized to make changes to your SAM account.