Federal agencies own and maintain hundreds of thousands of buildings: VA medical centers, military bases, national forest ranger stations, park visitor centers, border stations, post offices, dams and federal courthouses. Every one of them needs roof repairs and replacements, and many of those jobs are set aside for small businesses.
What gets bought
- Roof replacements: metal, membrane (TPO, EPDM, modified bitumen) and shingle, often with insulation upgrades.
- Repairs: leaks, flashing, gutters, storm damage.
- Combined exterior jobs: roof plus siding, trim, painting or carpentry, common at Forest Service and National Park Service sites.
- Snow guards, roof access and fall-protection add-ons, often priced as options.
The roofing trade's industry code is NAICS 238160. Larger re-roofs are sometimes posted under 236220 (commercial building), so search both.
Who buys the most
Common buyers include the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Air Force, Navy and Army installation offices, the Forest Service, the National Park Service and the General Services Administration (Public Buildings Service). Remote sites draw fewer bidders, which is good news for regional roofers willing to travel.
What the solicitation will ask for
- The SF-1442 (construction) or SF-1449 (smaller commercial-style jobs).
- Prices for a base bid and any options (for example, snow guards as Option 1).
- Pay at least the Davis-Bacon rates for roofers and laborers in the wage determination, with weekly certified payroll.
- Submittals before work starts: product data, manufacturer warranty, color samples, a safety plan. Army Corps jobs typically follow its safety manual (EM 385-1-1).
- Past performance on similar roofs, if evaluated.
- Bonds on jobs over $150,000.
How a small roofer wins the first one
- Register in SAM.gov (free) under 238160.
- Pick jobs within driving distance and under $150,000 to start: no bonds, simpler forms, fewer competitors.
- Go to the site visit. Roof jobs hide surprises: deck condition, access, staging space.
- Read every amendment, especially wage determination updates and changed quantities.
- Price options separately and completely. A blank option line can disqualify you.
- Write a short, specific work plan: crew, sequence, how you'll keep the building usable, debris disposal.
See every open federal roofing job right now, updated each morning.