Janitorial services are among the most consistently funded and recurring contract categories across federal, state, and local governments. Every year, millions of square feet of federal space need to be cleaned, sanitized, and maintained. That includes courthouses, military bases, post offices, and VA hospitals. These contracts often span multiple years, offer recurring revenue, and present a massive opportunity for service-based small businesses ready to step into the government market.
Let’s break down what these contracts look like, what qualifications you’ll need, and how to set your janitorial company apart in a competitive bidding environment.
The Size and Scope of Government Janitorial Contracts
Government janitorial contracts can range from small, one-time cleanings to long-term facility maintenance deals worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Agencies often bundle multiple locations into a single solicitation. Some of the most common buyers include:
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The Department of Veterans Affairs
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General Services Administration (GSA)
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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
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Local municipalities and school districts
For example, a recent VA hospital opportunity in Florida requested daily cleaning services for over 100,000 square feet, including patient rooms, operating areas, and administrative offices. The contract term was one base year plus four option years, making it a five-year revenue stream for the winning business.
If you’re in the janitorial industry, opportunities like this are already happening. The question is: Are you qualified to bid?
Typical Requirements for Janitorial Contracts
Before you can win a federal janitorial contract, your business must meet compliance and qualification standards. Below is a checklist of what’s usually required:
📋 Janitorial Government Contract Checklist
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SAM Registration with active UEI
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Valid business license for your location
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Proof of liability insurance (often $1 million or higher)
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Surety bonding capacity (performance and payment bonds are often required, typically equal to the full contract value)
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OSHA safety compliance and training records
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Experience documentation (prior janitorial contracts or commercial clients)
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Staff background checks (especially for VA, DoD, or federal courthouses)
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Green cleaning product list (required for some contracts, especially in environmentally regulated jurisdictions)
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Certifications, if applicable:
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SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business)
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WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business)
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8(a), HUBZone, or DBE designations
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Every requirement tells the government: "We’re reliable, insured, safe, and ready." Miss just one, and you’re likely disqualified.
Like filing your taxes. You can do it yourself, but one wrong number and the refund disappears.
What Makes a Janitorial Bid Stand Out?
Janitorial services are often judged on price, but that’s not the only factor. Agencies are also looking for value, consistency, and reduced risk. You can stand out by:
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Detailing your process: Explain how your team handles routine cleaning, quality checks, and urgent responses
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Showing differentiators: Do you use green products? Offer 24/7 support? Have trained supervisors on-site?
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Providing strong references: Even if your past work wasn’t with the government, show consistent results with commercial clients
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Branding like a federal contractor: A professional capability statement and compliant website make a strong first impression
Contracting officers don’t want to take chances. They want a team that’s done this before, or at least looks and sounds like they have.
The Power of Recurring Revenue
Most federal janitorial contracts are awarded with renewal options. If your company performs well, you could retain the same contract for five years or more. That means:
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Predictable income
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Scalable staffing
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Strong business valuation for future lending or growth
Unlike one-time jobs in the private sector, these government contracts become the foundation of long-term success. But you have to win the first one to start that cycle.
Relevant NAICS Codes for Janitorial Government Contracts
If you're targeting government janitorial contracts, identifying the right NAICS codes is a key part of getting qualified and searchable. These are the most commonly used codes for cleaning services in federal solicitations:
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561720 – Janitorial Services
This is the primary NAICS code for businesses offering general cleaning and maintenance for office buildings, medical facilities, schools, and other structures. -
561740 – Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services
Use this if your company specializes in interior textile cleaning, often included in base-wide or high-traffic federal contracts. -
561210 – Facilities Support Services
This applies to firms offering bundled services like cleaning, minor maintenance, and logistical support. It’s common in larger contracts at bases or hospitals. -
561790 – Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings
Useful for specialized or niche cleaning jobs, such as pressure washing or post-construction cleanup. -
238990 – All Other Specialty Trade Contractors
While not a direct janitorial code, this can apply to subcontracted or high-skill cleaning services under larger facility upgrades or maintenance projects.
To succeed in government contracting, your business must list the appropriate codes in your SAM registration and marketing materials. If your company qualifies for multiple services, list all relevant codes so you appear in more searches and can compete for a broader range of solicitations.
Need help selecting the right NAICS codes? Find your codes right here!
How USFCR Helps Janitorial Companies Compete
USFCR has helped thousands of service-based businesses break into the federal space, including cleaning companies just getting started. We assist with:
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Proposal review and bid writing support
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Marketing tools like capability statements and DSBS profile optimization
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Access to our Advanced Procurement Portal (APP) for real-time contract leads
We know what it takes to turn a local janitorial service into a federal contractor. You bring the expertise, and we’ll help you position it.
What’s next?
If you're a janitorial service provider and you're ready to compete for government work, start by getting qualified. A clean bid doesn’t just mean spotless facilities. It means zero errors in your compliance.
You can also check out our Free practical guide to federal contracting
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