The U.S. government spends billions annually on professional services, including video production, animation, and content creation. From military training videos to public service announcements, federal agencies need high-quality video production to educate, inform, and engage.
Yet, many video production businesses overlook the government as a stable, high-paying client. There are opportunities, but securing these contracts requires proper registration, a targeted marketing strategy, and a competitive bidding approach.
If you're a video production company, animation studio, or content creator, this guide will walk you through how to win government video contracts and tap into a multi-billion-dollar market.
Why the Government Needs Video Production
Federal agencies contract video production businesses for a wide range of projects, including:
- Training and Educational Videos – The Department of Defense (DoD), NASA, and Veterans Affairs (VA) use video content for instruction and internal training.
- Public Outreach Campaigns – Agencies like FEMA, CDC, and the Department of Transportation (DOT) produce videos for health awareness and emergency preparedness.
- Event Coverage & Live Streaming – The White House, National Park Service (NPS), and Department of Energy (DOE) require video services for conferences, briefings, and special events.
- Social Media & Digital Content – Agencies hire video creators for short-form content optimized for online engagement.
How to Get Federal Video Production Contracts
Securing government video contracts isn’t complicated, but it does require following a structured process.
1. Register in SAM.gov
Before bidding on federal contracts, your business must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM). This is the first step to becoming a federal contractor.
- Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) – Required for government business transactions.
Select the Right NAICS Codes – Federal buyers categorize businesses using NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) codes:- 512110 – Motion Picture and Video Production
- 512191 – Tele-production and Other Post-production Services
- 519130 – Internet Publishing and Broadcasting
✔ Submit & Maintain Your Registration – Ensure your registration is accurate and updated annually to stay compliant.
💡 Tip: Government contracting experts at USFCR can handle your SAM registration and compliance to prevent delays.
2. Find Video Production Contracts
Once registered, you need to actively search for contract opportunities. Here’s how:
- Use SAM – The government’s primary contract listing site.
- Leverage the Advanced Procurement Portal (APP) – USFCR’s APP tool filters video contracts and sends real-time alerts for new opportunities.
- Check Agency Procurement Forecasts – Many agencies publish upcoming contract needs, allowing businesses to prepare bids in advance.
- Explore Subcontracting – Large federal contractors often hire video production companies as subcontractors.
3. Get Certified for Set-Aside Contracts
The government reserves billions in contracts for businesses that qualify under specific certifications, giving small businesses a competitive edge.
- 8(a) Certification – For disadvantaged small businesses.
- Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) – Reserved for veteran-owned companies.
- Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB/EDWOSB) – For female-led companies.
Many contracts never go to open competition—they’re awarded directly to certified businesses.
4. Develop a Government-Focused Marketing Strategy
Marketing matters even in federal contracting. You need to position your business as a reliable, capable, and experienced government contractor.
- Create a Capability Statement – A one-page marketing document showcasing your company’s strengths.
- Build a Government-Friendly Website – Contracting officers research businesses online before awarding contracts.
- Optimize Your DSBS Profile – The Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) helps agencies find small businesses for contract awards.
💡 Pro Tip: USFCR creates firewall-friendly capability statements and optimized profiles for contractors.
5. Submit Competitive Bids & Proposals
If a contract requires a proposal, you need a winning strategy:
- Understand the Scope – Read the solicitation carefully to match exact agency needs.
- Showcase Past Performance – Highlight similar projects, even from the private sector.
- Price Competitively – Ensure pricing aligns with government expectations while maintaining profitability.
- Follow Proposal Guidelines – Missing a minor compliance detail can disqualify your bid.
💡 Need help writing proposals? USFCR offers training and proposal support to increase your win rate.
Success Stories: Video Production Companies Winning Federal Contracts
📌 Example 1: Military Training Videos
A video production company won multiple contracts with the U.S. Army to create training simulations for soldiers, expanding their business with repeat government work.
📌 Example 2: Public Health Campaigns
An animation studio secured a CDC contract to produce animated explainer videos on disease prevention, leading to further contracts with the NIH.
📌 Example 3: Event Coverage for NASA
A small video production business landed a NASA contract to document space exploration events, building credibility with other federal agencies.
Take Action: Get Started with Government Video Contracts
The federal government spends millions on video production contracts annually, but many businesses miss out because they aren’t registered or don’t know how to bid.
Ready to secure federal video contracts?
- Register in SAM – Ensure compliance and eligibility.
- Find contracts with APP – Discover opportunities tailored to video production.
- Get certified for set-asides – Unlock exclusive government contracts.
- Develop a capability statement – Market your business to contracting officers.
- Master proposal writing – Increase your chances of winning bids.
💡 USFCR simplifies the entire process—from SAM registration assistance to Bid Writing. Let’s get your business set up for success today!
Want personalized help? Contact USFCR now and start competing for high-value federal video production contracts.
Whether you need help preparing proposals, maintaining compliance, or finding the right opportunities, USFCR’s experts are here to assist.
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