Industry Contracting Guide
Government Contracts for Security Services
Armed and unarmed guard contracts cover federal buildings, military installations, and special events. FPS contracts dominate at GSA-managed facilities.
Industry snapshot
- Average contract size
- $500K–$30M
- Common certifications
- ASIS · TS/SCI · 8(a)
Common government buyers
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Homeland security and counter-terrorism
- Department of Defense (DoD)
National defense and military operations
- Department of Energy (DOE)
Energy security, nuclear safety, science
Typical contract types
- IDIQ MATOC
- FFP
- BPA
Challenges to expect
- FPS pricing pressure
- Clearance reciprocity
- Use-of-force training
Where the opportunities are right now
- FPS Megacenter recompetes
- Army Installation Management Command
- DOE NNSA protective force
Most relevant NAICS codes
- NAICS 561612 — Security Guards & Patrol Services
- NAICS 541690 — Other Scientific & Technical Consulting
States with the most security services contracting activity
- Virginia — ~$105.4B annual
- California — ~$73.5B annual
- Maryland — ~$33.8B annual
FAQs
- What agencies buy the most security services services?
- Top federal buyers for security services include Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, Department of Energy.
- What is the typical contract size in security services?
- Average federal contract size in security services ranges $500K–$30M, with the largest awards typically flowing through IDIQ MATOC pools and BPAs.
- Which NAICS codes apply to security services?
- The most relevant NAICS codes are 561612 (Security Guards & Patrol Services); 561621 (); 541690 (Other Scientific & Technical Consulting).
- What certifications matter most in security services contracting?
- Common gating certifications include ASIS, TS/SCI, 8(a). Set-aside certifications (8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB) layer on top for small businesses.
- What are the biggest challenges for new entrants?
- FPS pricing pressure; Clearance reciprocity; Use-of-force training. These are surmountable but should be priced into your B&P investment.