The 10 Easiest Government Contracts to Win: A Guide for Business Owners Exploring Government Contracting

Government contracting can be a lucrative opportunity for businesses of all sizes. With billions of dollars awarded annually, the federal government is one of the largest buyers of goods and services in the world. However, breaking into the government marketplace can feel overwhelming, especially for newcomers. The good news? Not all government contracts are created equal. Some are far easier to win than others, particularly for small businesses or those new to the process.

In this article, we’ll explore the 10 easiest government contracts to win, breaking down what makes them accessible and how your business can position itself for success. Whether you’re a seasoned contractor or just starting to explore this vertical, this guide will help you identify low-hanging fruit and build a strategy to secure your first (or next) government contract.

Why Are Some Government Contracts Easier to Win Than Others?

Before diving into the list, it’s important to understand why certain contracts are more accessible. Here are a few key factors:

• Set-Asides for Small Businesses: The federal government sets aside a percentage of contracts exclusively for small businesses, including those owned by women, veterans, minorities, and disadvantaged groups. These contracts are less competitive because they exclude large corporations.
• Simplified Acquisition Procedures: Contracts under a certain dollar threshold (often $250,000 or less) are subject to simplified acquisition procedures, making them faster and easier to bid on.
• Recurring Needs: Some agencies have ongoing needs for specific goods or services, such as office supplies or maintenance work. These contracts are often awarded more frequently and with less competition.
• Emerging Technologies or Services: Agencies seeking innovative solutions or new technologies may have fewer qualified bidders, creating opportunities for businesses with niche expertise.

Now, let’s dive into the 10 easiest government contracts to win.

1. Janitorial and Custodial Services

Nearly every government facility—offices, schools, military bases, and more—requires regular cleaning and maintenance. These contracts are often awarded on a local or regional basis, reducing competition from larger national firms.

Why It’s Easy:

• Low barrier to entry (minimal specialized equipment or expertise required).
• Often set aside for small businesses.
• Recurring need ensures steady opportunities.

Agencies to Target: General Services Administration (GSA), Department of Defense (DoD), and local government offices.

2. Office Supplies and Furniture

Government agencies constantly need office supplies, furniture, and equipment. These contracts are typically awarded through GSA Schedules, which simplify the procurement process.

Why It’s Easy:

• High demand for everyday items like paper, pens, and printers.
• GSA Schedules make it easier to sell to multiple agencies.
• Contracts are often broken into smaller awards, favoring small businesses.

Agencies to Target: GSA, Department of Education, and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

3. Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance

Like janitorial services, landscaping and grounds maintenance are recurring needs for government facilities. These contracts are often awarded locally and are ideal for small businesses with landscaping expertise.

Why It’s Easy:

• Localized contracts reduce competition.
• Seasonal and ongoing needs create steady opportunities.
• Often set aside for small businesses.

Agencies to Target: DoD, National Park Service, and local government agencies.

4. IT Support and Cybersecurity Services

With modernization efforts, there’s growing demand for IT support and cybersecurity services. Smaller contracts, such as setting up networks or providing help desk support, are more accessible to small businesses.

Why It’s Easy:

• High demand for IT services across all agencies.
• Small businesses with niche expertise can stand out.
• Many contracts are set aside for small businesses or 8(a) firms.

Agencies to Target: Department of Homeland Security (DHS), DoD, and GSA.

5. Construction and Renovation Services

From minor renovations to large infrastructure projects, construction contracts abound in the government marketplace. Smaller projects are often set aside for small businesses.

Why It’s Easy:

• High demand for maintenance and renovation work.
• Simplified acquisition procedures for smaller projects.
• Set-asides for small businesses, including those in the 8(a) program.

Agencies to Target: DoD, GSA, and Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

6. Training and Development Services

Government agencies frequently require training services, from leadership development to technical skills training. These contracts are often awarded to small businesses with specialized expertise.

Why It’s Easy:

• High demand for workforce development.
• Niche expertise can set your business apart.
• Often set aside for small businesses.

Agencies to Target: DoD, Department of Labor (DOL), and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

7. Medical Supplies and Equipment

The healthcare needs of agencies like the VA and DoD create consistent demand for medical supplies and equipment. Many of these contracts are awarded through GSA Schedules or simplified acquisition procedures.

Why It’s Easy:

• High demand for medical supplies and equipment.
• GSA Schedules simplify the procurement process.
• Set-asides for small businesses, including service-disabled veteran-owned businesses (SDVOSBs).

Agencies to Target: VA, DoD, and HHS.

8. Marketing and Communications Services

Public outreach, social media management, and graphic design services are in demand, especially at the state and local government levels. Small businesses with creative expertise can win these contracts.

Why It’s Easy:

• Growing demand for digital marketing and communications.
• Smaller contracts are less competitive.
• Often set aside for small businesses.

Agencies to Target: Department of State, Department of Transportation (DOT), and local government agencies.

9. Environmental and Sustainability Services

With the government’s push for sustainability, agencies require services in waste management, energy efficiency consulting, and renewable energy projects.

Why It’s Easy:

• Emerging field with fewer competitors.
• High priority for federal agencies.
• Set-asides for small businesses and 8(a) firms.

Agencies to Target: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Energy (DOE), and DoD.

10. Staffing and Temporary Labor Services

Government agencies often need temporary or contract workers to fill gaps in their workforce. Staffing contracts are frequently awarded to small businesses, especially those with expertise in specific industries.

Why It’s Easy:

• High demand for temporary and contract workers.
• Often set aside for small businesses.
• Recurring need ensures steady opportunities.

Agencies to Target: DoD, DHS, and HHS.

Tips for Winning Government Contracts

While the contracts listed above are easier to win, success still requires preparation and strategy. Here are a few tips to improve your chances:

• Register in SAM.gov: The System for Award Management (SAM) is the official database for government contractors. FedBiz Access helps ensure that registrations are compliant, visible, and engaging. We also help ensure that DSBS profiles are aligned and designed to perform, increasing your chances of being found by government buyers.
• Obtain Certifications: Certifications like 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB can give you a competitive edge by qualifying you for set-aside contracts. FedBiz Access specializes in expediting socio-economic certifications to help businesses secure these valuable opportunities faster.
• Research Past Awards: Understanding past purchasing trends helps businesses target the right opportunities. The Market Intel Database from FedBiz Access is a robust and easy-to-navigate market research platform that clients prefer to use for identifying potential contracts and buyers.
• Build Relationships: Attend industry days, networking events, and matchmaking sessions to connect with government buyers.
• Start Small: Focus on smaller contracts to build your track record before pursuing larger opportunities.

How FedBiz Access Can Help

Navigating the government marketplace can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. FedBiz Access is the leading government business development firm, assisting businesses of all sizes in the government marketplace for over 24 years. Over that time, we’ve helped our clients secure over $36 billion in government awards.

Our services include:

• Market Research: We help you identify the best opportunities for your business through our proprietary Market Intel Database.
• Federal Connections Package: This direct marketing solution helps contractors connect with targeted government buyers, including contracting officers and agency decision-makers.
• MatchMaker Service: Our customized outreach program proactively introduces your business to government buyers and contracting officers through structured marketing and capability briefings.

Whether you’re new to government contracting or looking to grow your existing business, FedBiz Access can provide the tools and expertise you need to succeed.

Schedule a Complimentary Consultation

Ready to take the next step in government contracting? Schedule a complimentary consultation with a FedBiz Specialist today. We’ll help you pinpoint opportunities, develop a winning strategy, and connect with the right government buyers.

Don’t miss out on your chance to win government contracts—let FedBiz Access guide you every step of the way.

👉🏽 Click here to schedule your consultation

By focusing on the easiest contracts to win and leveraging the right resources, your business can thrive in the government marketplace. Start small, build your reputation, and watch your opportunities grow!